Final answer:
To charge a system with a specified charge, such as 80 pounds, one must consider the principle that charge is quantized and use tools like scintillation or Geiger counters to measure radiation. Calculations may involve determining the number of protons or electrons, and factors such as radioactive isotopes' half-life and decay energy for long-term energy supply in applications like space probes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When addressing the question of how to charge a system that requires a specific amount of charge, such as 80 pounds, it is critical to understand the principle that charge is quantized. Protons carry a unit charge of +1.6 × 10-19 coulombs (C). To calculate the total charge, one would need to consider the number of protons in the system, as each proton contributes a positive charge.
To measure or detect radiation associated with the charging of a system, tools like the scintillation counter or the Geiger counter are often used. Artificial radioactivity can be induced in elements, which can then be used as a source of charge or energy. For example, engineers may calculate the amount of a radioactive isotope necessary for supplying power on a long space flight, considering factors like the isotope's half-life, decay energy, and the power needs of the probe.
Charging a system can also involve transferring electrons to create a negative charge or removing electrons for positive charge. For instance, the charging of a copper penny by either adding or removing electrons is an application of this principle. The total charge can be converted into the number of fundamental units or moles of particles involved, as demonstrated in various exercises.