Imagine a unit of charge called the zorg. A chemist performs the oil drop experiment and measures the charge of each drop in zorgs. Based on the results shown here, what is the charge of the electron in zorgs (z)? How many electrons are in each drop?
Drop # Charge
A –4.8×10^–9 z
B –9.6×10^–9 z
C –6.4×10^–9 z
D –12.8×10^–9 z

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the smallest charge magnitude among the given drops, as this represents the charge of one electron in zorgs. In this case, observe the charges of each drop: A = -4.8 \times 10^{-9} z, B = -9.6 \times 10^{-9} z, C = -6.4 \times 10^{-9} z, D = -12.8 \times 10^{-9} z.
2. Determine that the smallest charge magnitude is -4.8 \times 10^{-9} z (from Drop A), which suggests that this is the charge of one electron in zorgs.
3. Confirm that the charge of each drop is a multiple of the smallest charge magnitude. For example, Drop B's charge is exactly twice that of Drop A, Drop C's charge is 1.33 times that of Drop A, and Drop D's charge is 2.67 times that of Drop A.
4. Calculate the number of electrons in each drop by dividing the charge of each drop by the charge of one electron. For instance, for Drop B, divide -9.6 \times 10^{-9} z by -4.8 \times 10^{-9} z.
5. Conclude that the charge of an electron in zorgs is -4.8 \times 10^{-9} z and use the ratios calculated in the previous step to determine the number of electrons in each drop.

Key Concepts

Charge of the Electron

The charge of the electron is a fundamental physical constant, approximately -1.6 x 10^-19 coulombs. In this scenario, the charge is expressed in a fictional unit called 'zorgs.' Understanding the relationship between the charge of the electron and the measurements in zorgs is crucial for determining the electron's charge in this context.

Oil Drop Experiment

The oil drop experiment, conducted by Robert Millikan, was designed to measure the charge of the electron. By balancing the gravitational force on tiny oil droplets with an electric field, Millikan was able to determine the charge of individual electrons. This experiment is foundational in understanding quantized charge and the nature of electrons.

Quantization of Charge

Charge is quantized, meaning it exists in discrete amounts rather than a continuous range. In the context of the oil drop experiment, the charges measured for each drop are multiples of the elementary charge (the charge of a single electron). This concept is essential for calculating the number of electrons in each oil drop based on the total charge measured.