Final answer:
The potential of a ball bearing can be calculated using the formula V = k × q / r, where V is the potential, k is Coulomb's constant, q is the charge, and r is the radius of the object. Plugging in the given values, the ball bearing's potential is -4.36 × 10^8 V.
Step-by-step explanation:
The potential of a charged object can be calculated using the formula:
V = k × q / r
Where V is the potential, k is Coulomb's constant (9 × 10^9 N m^2/C^2), q is the charge, and r is the radius of the object.
In this case, the ball bearing has a diameter of 1.10 mm, which corresponds to a radius of 0.55 mm or 0.55 × 10^-3 m. The charge of the ball bearing is given as 1.60 × 10^9 excess electrons.
Plugging these values into the formula, we have:
V = (9 × 10^9 N m^2/C^2) × (-1.60 × 10^9 e) / (0.55 × 10^-3 m)
Calculating this expression gives us a potential of -4.36 × 10^8 V.
Therefore, the ball bearing's potential is -4.36 × 10^8 V.