If a droplet has three extra electrons, what is the net charge of the droplet?

• A. +1e
• B. -1e
• C. -3e
• D. +3e

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the charge of a single electron is represented as \(-1e\), where \(e\) is the elementary charge (approximately \$1.602 \times 10^{-19}$ coulombs).
2. Understand that having extra electrons means the droplet has additional negative charges, since electrons carry a negative charge.
3. Calculate the net charge by multiplying the number of extra electrons by the charge of one electron: \(\text{net charge} = (\text{number of extra electrons}) \times (-1e)\).
4. Substitute the given number of extra electrons (3) into the equation: \(\text{net charge} = 3 \times (-1e)\).
5. Conclude that the net charge of the droplet is \(-3e\), indicating a negative charge three times the elementary charge.