Question

An asteroid has acquired a net negative charge of 149 C from being bombarded by the solar wind over the years, and is currently in equilibrium whereby it expels electrons at the same rate as it acquires them. How many more electrons does it have than protons

Answer 1

93.125 × 10^(19)

Step-by-step explanation:

We are told the asteroid has acquired a net negative charge of 149 C.

Thus;

Q = -149 C

charge on electron has a value of:

e = -1.6 × 10^(-19) C

Now, for us to determine the excess electrons on the asteroid, we will just divide the net charge in excess on the asteroid by the charge of a single electron.

Thus;

n = Q/e

n = -149/(-1.6 × 10^(-19))

n = 93.125 × 10^(19)

Thus, it has 93.125 × 10^(19) more electrons than protons