Question

Humid air breaks down (its molecules become ionized) in an electric field of 4.99 x 10^6 N/C. In that field, what is the magnitude of the electrostatic force on (a) an electron and (b) an ion with a single electron missing? (a) Number _____ Units _____ (b) Number _____ Units _______

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

It is given that,

Electric field,
`E=4.99* 10^6\ N/C`

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

`F=qE`

Where

q is the charge

(a) Charge on the electron,
`q_e=-1.6* 10^(-19)\ C`

Electrostatic force,

`F=-1.6* 10^(-19)* 4.99* 10^6`

`F=-7.98* 10^(-13)\ N`

(b) If an electron is missing, the net charge remains the same only sign changes.

So, force becomes,
`F=7.98* 10^(-13)\ N`

Hence, this is the required solution.