Question

Iron atoms have been detected in the sun's atmosphere, some with many of their electrons stripped away. What is the net electric charge (in coulombs) of an iron atom with 26 protons and 8 electrons? Be sure to include the algebraic sign (+ or -) in your answer.

Answer 1

Answer:

2.88 × 10⁻¹⁸ C

Explanation:

The charge on a proton and electron are the same and it is = 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C

The net charge electric charge of an iron atom = (number of proton × charge on a proton) + ( number of electron × charge on an electron ) = 26 (e) + 8 (-e) = 26 e - 8 e = 18 e = 18 ×  1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C = 2.88 × 10⁻¹⁸ C

Answer 2

Answer:

2.88x10⁻¹⁸ C

Explanation:

The net charge is given by:

$Q_{net} = n_{p}*p + n_{e}*e$

Where:

np: is the quantity of protons = 26

ne: is the quantity of electrons =  8

p: is the charge of protons = 1.6x10⁻¹⁹ C

e: is the charge of electrons = -1.6x10⁻¹⁹ C

Hence the net charge is:

$Q_{net} = n_{p}*p + n_{e}*e = 26*1.6 \cdot 10^{-19} C + 8*(-1.6 \cdot 10^{-19} C) = 2.88 \cdot 10^{-18} C$

Therefore, the net charge is 2.88x10⁻¹⁸ C.

I hope it helps you!