Question

There is an electric field in the atmosphere surrounding the earth, which has a magnitude of roughly 150 N/C and a direction pointing towards the center of the earth. Determine the magnitude and the direction of the force experienced by a dust particle having a negative charge of 9.2×10 ⁻16C.

a. Magnitude: 1.38 × 10⁻¹³ N, Direction: Upward
b. Magnitude: 1.38 × 10⁻¹³ N, Direction: Downward
c. Magnitude: 1.38 × 10⁻¹⁴ N, Direction: Upward
d. Magnitude: 1.38 × 10⁻¹⁴ N,

Answer 1

The force experienced by a dust particle with a negative charge of 9.2×10⁻¹⁶ C in an electric field of 150 N/C is 1.38×10⁻¹³ N directed upward.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the magnitude and direction of the force experienced by a dust particle in the Earth's electric field, we use the formula F = qE, where F is the force, q is the charge on the particle, and E is the electric field strength. Given that the electric field is approximately 150 N/C and directed towards the center of Earth, and the charge on the dust particle is a negative 9.2×10⁻¹⁶ C, we can calculate the magnitude of the force as follows:

F = qE = (9.2×10⁻¹⁶ C) × (150 N/C) = 1.38×10⁻¹³ N.

The direction of the force is opposite to the electric field direction because the dust particle carries a negative charge. Therefore, the force on the particle is directed upward, against the downward electric field.