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# can the mass of a particle be determined with just this?

q/m = 10^3 C/kg

where I'm understanding that q is the unknown charge of a particle and m is an unknown mass. C = Coulomb = 1Amp x 1 sec.

or do I need another equation?

Note by Angel Leon
3 years, 7 months ago

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Though the total mass cannot be calculated, charge possessed by an unit mass can be found out. Put m=1 kg and this gives q=$$10^3C$$.

The mass of the particle having an unit charge can also be calculated. Put q=1 C and this gives m=1 g.

Thus, if total charge is known, total mass can also be calculated.

(Actually it is an equation in two variables. At least one more equation is needed to solve it.) · 3 years, 7 months ago

Is this some part of problem that asks you to find the charge and mass of the particle?

The quantity q/m is called the specific charge and I doubt that the question requires you to find the mass and charge. · 3 years, 7 months ago

I'm trying to solve the wavelength equation

wavelength = plank constant / momentum

where momentum = m.v

they tell me exactly that "specific charge" q/m = 10^5C/kg, so I wanted to get the value of m. :( · 3 years, 7 months ago

Can you please post the complete problem statement? Is this a live problem? · 3 years, 7 months ago

yes, it's a live problem on the Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism. I changed the number above so cheaters have a hard time finding this convo. · 3 years, 7 months ago

common sense says that you can't. Theoretically saying, because the charge can be in $$x$$ and $$y$$ is the mass. so, $$\frac{x}{y}=10^{3}$$ C/kg. so, $$x$$ and $$y$$ can be varied. · 3 years, 7 months ago