Final answer:
The magnitude of the electric field is 3.00 x 10^2 N/C and its direction is south. Determining the magnitude and direction of the electric field involves applying the equation Force = charge × electric field.
Step-by-step explanation:
Determining the magnitude and direction of the electric field involves applying the equation Force = charge × electric field.
With the provided force acting on a proton and the known charge of a proton, rearranging the equation yields the formula for electric field magnitude: Electric field = Force / charge.
Plugging in the given values, the expression becomes Electric field = (4.80 × 10⁻¹⁷ N) / (1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C).
Upon simplification, the magnitude of the electric field is calculated as 3.00 × 10² N/C.
Notably, the force is directed towards the south (downwards), indicating that the electric field's direction aligns with the southward orientation.
Therefore, the electric field magnitude is 3.00 × 10² N/C, and its direction is southward, as inferred from the given force experienced by the proton.