Static Electricity and Number of Electrons

In summary, when a gold sphere is rubbed with rabbit's fur, it takes on a negative charge. With a mass of 190.0 g, it obtains a net charge of 0.540 μC. To calculate the ratio of electrons added to the number originally present, the mass of the sphere is multiplied by the mass of an electron to find the number of electrons originally present. Then, the charge is divided by the charge of one electron to find the number of electrons added. Finally, the number of electrons added is divided by the number originally present to obtain the ratio.
  • #1
Nicolaus
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Homework Statement


When you rub a gold sphere with rabbit's fur, the gold takes on a negative charge (and the rabbit fur positive). Suppose the gold sphere has a mass of 190.0 g and it obtains a net charge of 0.540 μC. Calculate the ratio of the number of electrons added to the gold sphere to the number originally there. (Assume the gold sphere is completely neutral before the fur is applied.)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


.190kg(9.11e^-31kg) = # electrons before
5.4e^-5C / (1.602e^-19) = electrons added

Then divide electrons added by electrons when neutral.
What am I doing wrong?
 
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  • #2
Nicolaus said:

Homework Statement


When you rub a gold sphere with rabbit's fur, the gold takes on a negative charge (and the rabbit fur positive). Suppose the gold sphere has a mass of 190.0 g and it obtains a net charge of 0.540 μC. Calculate the ratio of the number of electrons added to the gold sphere to the number originally there. (Assume the gold sphere is completely neutral before the fur is applied.)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


.190kg(9.11e^-31kg) = # electrons before
5.4e^-5C / (1.602e^-19) = electrons added

Then divide electrons added by electrons when neutral.
What am I doing wrong?

Think again about the number of electrons originally present in the sphere of gold. How many atoms of gold are present? How many electrons per atom?
 
  • #3
Ah, got this.
Thanks
 

FAQ: Static Electricity and Number of Electrons

What is static electricity?

Static electricity is a build-up of electric charge on the surface of an object. It occurs when there is an imbalance of positive and negative charges, causing a spark or shock when the object comes into contact with another object.

How is static electricity different from current electricity?

Static electricity is the accumulation of electric charge on the surface of an object, while current electricity is the flow of electrons through a conductor. Static electricity can cause a shock or spark, while current electricity is used to power electronic devices.

What is the relationship between static electricity and the number of electrons?

The number of electrons on an object determines its electric charge. Objects with an equal number of protons and electrons are electrically neutral, while objects with an excess or deficiency of electrons have a positive or negative charge, respectively.

How does static electricity affect our daily lives?

Static electricity can be both beneficial and harmful. It is responsible for lightning, electric shocks, and the clinginess of some materials. It is also used in many industries, such as painting and printing. However, it can also damage electronic devices and cause fires in certain environments.

How can static electricity be controlled or eliminated?

Static electricity can be controlled by using materials that do not easily generate or hold a charge, such as conducting materials like metals. It can also be eliminated by grounding, which involves connecting an object to the Earth's surface to equalize its charge. Humidity and anti-static products can also help to reduce static electricity.

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