Question

Iron atoms have been detected in the sun's atmosphere, some with many of their electrons stripped away. What is the net electric charge (in coulombs) of an iron atom with 26 protons and 8 electrons? Be sure to include the algebraic sign (+ or -) in your answer.

Answer 1

In neutral atom the number of electrons is equal to the number of the protons. Since we can't remove protons. There are 26 protons and 8 electrons in the atom, this means 18 electrons are removed from the atom. The charge on the atom is positive as electrons are removed. The charge on the atom is equal to the magnitude of the charge on 18 electrons.
The magnitude of the charge on a single electron = 1.6x10^-19 C

Therefore, the charge on the atom = + 18x1.6x10^-19 C = + 2.88x10^-19 C