How to gain percentage of atoms that are ionized in balloon?

In summary: Assuming each balloon has a mass of 1g and the electrostatic force is F, how many one electron charges would be required to generate that force?8.6e-19 C
  • #1
TwoEG
13
0

Homework Statement


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You have two inflated balloons. You rub them against your hair and hang them as shown in the figure. The length of the strings is 50 cm and the angle between them is 50°. For each balloon, what is the percentage of atoms that are ionized? Provide a rough estimate. You may find necessary information from the internet.

Homework Equations


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Coulomb's law

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried to find a information about that underlined sentence, but I couldn't find any meaningful information that I can apply to this problem. Is there any formula type relationship between electric force and 'percentage of atoms that are ionized in object'?
 
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  • #2
TwoEG said:
s there any formula type relationship between electric force and 'percentage of atoms that are ionized in object
No, it is up to you to figure it from first principles.
Suppose each balloon has mass m. What is the electrostatic force that would maintain them at that angle?
How many one electron charges (whether all positive or all negative) would be required to generate that force?
 
  • #3
But does 'extra(or deficient) number of electrons' can really tell the 'percentage of ionized atoms'? What about distribution? If all electrons are gathered on, exaggeratedly, one point of the balloon, can I really say that balloon has same 'percentage of ionized atoms' as another balloon which all electrons are distributed evenly on its surface?
 
  • #4
TwoEG said:
But does 'extra(or deficient) number of electrons' can really tell the 'percentage of ionized atoms
Not yet... there are more steps.

TwoEG said:
What about distribution?
We do not know how exactly the balloons were charged. Typically they will be more charged on one side than the other, so they would rotate to have the more charged sides on the outer. But since we do not know the radius of the balloons that would leave us unable to figure out the force. So just assume the charge is uniformly distributed.
 

FAQ: How to gain percentage of atoms that are ionized in balloon?

1. How do you calculate the percentage of atoms that are ionized in a balloon?

The percentage of atoms that are ionized in a balloon can be calculated by dividing the number of ionized atoms by the total number of atoms in the balloon and then multiplying by 100. This will give you a percentage value.

2. What factors affect the percentage of atoms that are ionized in a balloon?

The percentage of atoms that are ionized in a balloon can be affected by various factors such as the gas used in the balloon, the pressure and temperature of the gas, and the strength of the electric field applied to the balloon.

3. How does the electric field affect the percentage of atoms that are ionized in a balloon?

The electric field applied to a balloon can cause the atoms in the gas to become ionized. The stronger the electric field, the more atoms will become ionized, resulting in a higher percentage of ionized atoms in the balloon.

4. Can the percentage of atoms that are ionized in a balloon be increased?

Yes, the percentage of atoms that are ionized in a balloon can be increased by using a gas with a higher ionization energy, increasing the pressure and temperature of the gas, and increasing the strength of the electric field applied to the balloon.

5. Is there a limit to the percentage of atoms that can be ionized in a balloon?

There is no specific limit to the percentage of atoms that can be ionized in a balloon. However, factors such as the gas used, pressure and temperature, and electric field strength will ultimately determine the maximum percentage of atoms that can be ionized in a balloon.

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