Final answer:
Microelectronics can be damaged by electrostatic discharges well below what humans can feel, requiring measures like antistatic wrist straps and insulating shoes for protection. For example, to achieve a -2.00 nC charge, about 1.25 x 10^10 electrons are needed, while removing 3.13 x 10^12 electrons from an object would result in a 0.500 μC charge.
Step-by-step explanation:
Microelectronics can be damaged by an electrostatic discharge (ESD) that is much smaller than what a human can feel. An electrostatic shock that one might feel typically involves charges of thousands of volts, equating to differences on the order of microcoulombs (μC). ESD-sensitive devices can be damaged by discharges of less than 25 volts, or charges well below a nanocoulomb (nC).
To prevent ESD damage, it is essential to use grounding methods such as antistatic wrist straps or antistatic mats when handling microelectronics. Additionally, wearing insulating shoes and using tools that are designed to mitigate ESD can provide protection for both the individual and the electronic components they are handling.
In terms of the calculations: (a) A charge of -2.00 nC corresponds to approximately 1.25 x 1010 electrons. (b) To leave a net charge of 0.500 μC on an object, 3.13 x 1012 electrons must be removed from it. These calculations are based on the fundamental charge of an electron, which is approximately -1.60 x 10-19 coulombs.