Question

A protein molecule in an electrophoresis gel has a negative charge. The exact charge depends on the pHpH of the solution, but 30 excess electrons is typical. What is the magnitude of the electric forceon a protein with this charge in a 1500 N/C electric field?

Answer 1

The magnitude of the force = 7.2 × 10⁻¹⁵ C

Step-by-step explanation:

The total quantization of charge q on an electron = n × e

where;

n = 30

e = 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁸ C

q = 30 × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁸ C

q = 4.8 × 10⁻¹⁸ C

Now, the magnitude of the force is determined by using the formula:

F = qE

F = ( 4.8 × 10⁻¹⁸ C) ( 1500 N/C)

F = 7.2 × 10⁻¹⁵ C