Question
Question: A copper atom has \(29\) electrons revolving around the nucleus. A copper ball contains \(4 \times {...
A copper atom has 29 electrons revolving around the nucleus. A copper ball contains 4×1023 atoms. What fraction of the electrons are removed to give the ball a charge of +9.6μC ?
A.∼1.8×10−13
B.∼1.3×10−12
C.∼6×10−10
D.∼5.2×1012
Solution
Given that the electrons are revolving and are to be removed, it is to be noted that the process of the addition or removal of electrons is known as ionization. The atom or the molecule will acquire a positive or a negative charge on the addition or removal of electrons.
Complete answer:
Step I:
Given that the charge on each copper atom isn=29
Number of electron in each copper atom e=4×1023
Total charge is given by
q=n×e
Substituting the values, of n and e and evaluating total charge,
q=29×4×1023=1160×1023
Step II:
The ball is to be given a charge of +9.6μC
Or 9.6×10−6C
Step III:
Charge on one electron=1.6×10−19C
Total number of electrons in 9.6μC=1.6×10−199.6
=6×1019
Step IV:
Required fraction of electrons that are to be removed to get required charge =1160×10236×1019
or =5.17×1012∼5.2×1012
Step V:
The number of electrons that are to be removed to give the ball a charge of +9.6μC∼5.2×1012
Therefore, Option D is the right answer.
Note:
It is to be noted that in order to add or remove an electron from an atom to give the required charge, a particular minimum amount of energy is to be supplied to remove the electron that is most loosely bounded or is present in the outermost shell of the atom. This energy is called ionization energy. After gaining or losing an electron, the atom becomes an ion. If the size of the atom is greater due to the presence of more shells, the outermost electrons are held less tightly by the nucleus and will be easy to remove. The ionization energy will be less in this case.