A current is established in a gas discharge tube when a sufficiently high potent

Question

A current is established in a gas discharge tube when a sufficiently high potential difference is applied across the two electrodes in the tube. The gas ionizes; electrons move toward the positive terminal and singly charged positive ions toward the negative terminal. (a) What is the current (in A) in a hydrogen discharge tube in which 5.98 × 1018 electrons and 1.10 × 1018 protons move past a cross-sectional area of the tube each second? (b) Is the direction of the current density toward (type "1") or away (type "0") from the negative terminal?

(a)

Number

Units

(b)

Explanation / Answer

The current would be the net flow of charge so you have 5.98 + 1.1 = 7.08 X 10^18 charge/second. Since one amp is 6.241 X 10^18 charges/second you have 1.13 Amps

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.