1. Suppose the charge on the electron and the proton were to differ from being i

Question

1. Suppose the charge on the electron and the proton were to differ from being identical by a very small amount: say that the charge on the proton is bigger than that of the electron by only 1 part in 108 of its normal value.

(a) Assuming that you still exist in the same form (unlikely!) estimate the total charge you would carry. To do this, you’ll have to make some assumptions: for example, you’re about 70% water and the rest carbon. Explain any assumptions you need to make to estimate your total charge in this fictitious alternate universe.

(b) Suppose that in this universe you were to sit next to a similarly charged friend in class (again, you’ll have to estimate how far away they are. . . ). What would be the magnitude of the force you exert on each other? Compare this force with the force needed to make a car go from 0 to 60mph in 10 seconds, assuming constant acceleration.

Explanation / Answer

We know that, charge on electron = 1.6 x 10-19 C

Charge on the proton is bigger than that of an electron by only 1 part in 108 of its normal value.

(a) Assuming that we still exist in the same form, then the total charge carried which will be given as :

using a formula, we have

Q = n e

Qtotal = (108) (1.6 x 10-19 C)

Qtotal = 1.6 x 10-11 C

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