Weight of electrons? (atomic question)

[Soupoapav Profile]

Does a positively charged ion weigh differently to a negatively charged ion?

I find it hard to believe that by charging an ion, we are altering it's mass.
But if we charge it, and electrons are added or removed, then they should weigh differently.

If they do weigh differently, how much so?
And can I test it using home made instruments?

[Stratosfear Profile]

One way of measuring the mass of an atom is by using mass spectrometer (pretty expensive I would have thought). You could use Avagadro's number as well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avogadro_constant

[Trouble Profile]

Physics is another one of them subjects that boggles the mind,one thing that has always stuck in my head over the years when i read it was, Heisenberg uncertainty principle........to be honest i have no idea lol

[Clarkness Profile]

Positive and negative ions will have a slightly different weight due to protons and electrons. For most basic experiments or theory, atomic mass units are used for weight in which if you really wanted to, you can get a an actually metric or US weight out of it.

A proton will weight approx. 1 amu (atomic mass unit). In most calculations, an electron's weight is generally viewed as negligible. In actual weight terms its close to 1/10000 of the weight of a proton.

When you add a proton, the charge will be positive and thus creating a slightly heavier substance. Of course, subtract one, it will be negative and lighter.

If you were to add or remove an electron, you would have a negative or positive charge respectively and no discernible change in weight.

Generally changing the charge will not change the weight due to the fact that its due to an exchange in electrons. Electrons will be more likely to move to another atom due to the fact they are on the outside of the nucleus and are exposed to gammas and electromagnetic fields in which can provide enough energy for escape or due to valance levels, atoms and molecules will attract or push away electrons depending on their properties.

Protons can be added or removed due to elastic scattering in which a particle, usually a neutron will knock out a proton causing a change in charge and weight.

Don't quote me on this. I am too lazy to look this up to absolutely verify this information and I am working off my memory of physics classes.

[Oneatom Profile]

Well, there is also the idea that protons are singularities, thus having the mass of the entire universe in each one.

It almost seems to good to be true, and I know there are some far reaching ideas in this paper:
http://theresonanceproject.org/pdf/schw ... ton_a4.pdf