A copper penny has a net charge of -3.2 × 10^{-19} C. How many electrons were transferred to create this charge on the penny?

• A. 10 electrons
• B. 6 electrons
• C. 1 electron
• D. 2 electrons

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the charge of a single electron, which is approximately \(-1.6 \times 10^{-19}\) coulombs.
2. Understand that the net charge on the penny is given as \(-3.2 \times 10^{-19}\) coulombs, which means electrons have been added to the penny.
3. Set up the relationship between total charge and number of electrons: \(Q = n \times e\), where \(Q\) is the total charge, \(n\) is the number of electrons, and \(e\) is the charge of one electron.
4. Rearrange the formula to solve for the number of electrons: \(n = \frac{Q}{e}\).
5. Substitute the given values into the equation: \(n = \frac{-3.2 \times 10^{-19}}{-1.6 \times 10^{-19}}\), then simplify to find the number of electrons transferred.