Question

A protein molecule in an electrophoresis gel has a negative charge. The exact charge depends on the pH of the solution, but 30 excess electrons is typical. What is the magnitude of the electric force on a protein with this charge in a 1700 N/C electric field?

Express your answer in newtons.

Answer 1

8.16 x 10^-15 N

Step-by-step explanation:

Number of excess electrons = 30

Electric field, E = 1700 N/C

Charge of one electron, e = 1.6 x 10^-19 C

Total charge, q = charge of one electron x number of electrons

q = 30 x 1.6 x 10^-19 = 48 x 10^-19 C

The relation between the electric field and the force is given by

F = q E

F = 48 x 10^-19 x 1700

F = 8.16 x 10^-15 N

Answer 2

Electric force,
`F=8.16* 10^(-15)\ N`

Step-by-step explanation:

A protein molecule in an electrophoresis gel has a negative charge. Electric field, E = 1700 N/C

There are 30 excess electrons. The charge on 30 electrons is, q = 30e

`q=30* 1.6* 10^(-19)\ C=4.8* 10^(-18)\ C`

The electric force in terms of electric field is given by :

`F=q* E`

`F=4.8* 10^(-18)\ C* 1700\ N/C`

`F=8.16* 10^(-15)\ N`

So, the magnitude of the electric force on a protein is
`8.16* 10^(-15)\ N`. Hence, this is the required solution.