Question

A constant electric field is ( (4.5 times 10^5 , {N/C})hat{j} ). In which direction is the force on a ( -20 , {nC} ) charge placed in this field?

a) Along the positive x-axis.

b) Along the negative x-axis.

c) Along the positive y-axis.

d) Along the negative y-axis.

Answer 1

The force on a -20 nC charge placed in a constant electric field of (4.5 × 10^5 N/C) î is along the negative y-axis, due to the force being opposite to the field direction for a negative charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question requires us to determine the direction of the force on a negative charge in a given electric field. When a charge is placed in an electric field, the force on the charge is given by the equation F = qE, where F is the force, q is the charge, and E is the electric field.

The direction of the force is dependent on the sign of the charge and the direction of the electric field. Given that the electric field is in the positive y-direction (4.5 × 10^5 N/C î) and the charge in question is negative (-20 nC), the force on that charge will be opposite to the direction of the electric field as a result of the negative charge. Consequently, the force will be along the negative y-axis.