Question

If a point charge of -30 µC experiences an electrostatic upward force of 27 mN at a certain location in the laboratory, what are the magnitude and direction of the electric field at that location? Express your answer with appropriate units. Enter positive value if the field is upward and negative value if the field is downward.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Charge,
`q=-30\ \mu C=-30* 10^(-6)\ C`

Electric force,
`F=27\ mN=27* 10^(-3)\ N`

We need to find the magnitude and direction of electric field at that location. The relation between the electric field and electric force is given by :

`E=(F)/(q)`

`E=(27* 10^(-3)\ N)/(-30* 10^(-6)\ C)`

`E=-900\ N/C`

For a negative charge, the direction of electric field is inward. The direction of electric force and electric field is same. So, the direction of electric field in this case is in upward direction. Hence, this is the required solution.