A metal sphere has a net negative charge of 11 x 10^-6 coulomb. Approximately how many more electrons than protons are on the sphere?
To determine the number of electrons more than protons on the metal sphere, we need to understand the basic properties of charge in atoms.
1. The elementary charge (e) is the fundamental unit of charge and represents the charge of a single electron or proton. Its value is e = 1.6 × 10^-19 coulomb.
2. An electron carries a charge of -1e, while a proton carries a charge of +1e.
Now, let's calculate the number of electrons more than protons on the metal sphere:
1. The net negative charge of the sphere is given as 11 × 10^-6 coulombs.
2. We know that the charge of an individual electron is -1e.
3. To find the number of electrons, we need to divide the net negative charge by the charge of a single electron:
Number of electrons = Net negative charge / Charge of a single electron
Number of electrons = (11 × 10^-6) / (1.6 × 10^-19)
4. Simplifying the expression:
Number of electrons = 6.875 × 10^13
Thus, there are approximately 6.875 × 10^13 more electrons than protons on the metal sphere.