Final answer:
To find the ratio of the electric force on the bee to its weight, we must calculate both. The required electric field strength and direction for the bee to hang suspended in the air can be determined by balancing the electric force with the bee's weight. The acquired charge alone is not enough to enable the honeybee to hang in the air.
Step-by-step explanation:
(i) To find the ratio of the electric force on the bee to its weight, we need to calculate both. The electric force on the bee can be found using the formula F = qE, where F is the force, q is the charge, and E is the electric field strength. The weight of the bee can be calculated using the formula W = mg, where W is the weight, m is the mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
(ii) For the bee to hang suspended in the air, the electric force on the bee needs to balance its weight. So, the required electric field strength would be equal to the weight of the bee divided by its charge, i.e., E = W/q.
(iii) No, the honeybee is not able to hang in the air due to the acquired charge alone. For the bee to hang in the air, the electric force on the bee needs to be equal to its weight, which requires a specific electric field strength. If the magnitude of the electric field is 3 × 10⁻⁶ N/C, then the air breaks down, and a spark forms, but it does not provide enough force to counteract the weight of the bee.