Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 22 - Think and Explain - Page 427-428: 59

Answer

The two quantities are equal and opposite.

Work Step by Step

The entire crystal is electrically neutral (i.e., it has a zero net charge). Overall, the total positive charge is balanced by an equal and opposite negative charge. In other words, the net charge of the positive ions has the same magnitude as the net charge of the negative ions.
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