Question

A point charge q = -0.50 nC is fixed at the origin. Where must an electron be placed in order for the electric force acting on it to be exactly opposite to its weight?

Answer 1

d = 286809.88 m

Distance can be found on one of the following coordinates which is given below

(d,0), (0,d), (-d,0), (0,-d)

Step-by-step explanation:

As the electron and charge (q) are negatively charged they will repulsive

Let F(Force)= W (Weight of electron)

where:

Force (F) between the charges = kq₁q₂/d²

Weight of electron = mg

So:

F=W

kq₁q₂/d² = mg.....eq(i)

Where

mass of electron(m) = 9.11x10⁻³¹ kg

k = 9x10⁹ Nm²/C²

q₂ (charge of electron) = 1.6x10⁻¹⁹C

d =?

put values in eq(i) we get

{(9x10⁹Nm²/C²)(0.51nC)(1.6x10⁻¹⁹C)}/d^2 = (9.11x10⁻³¹ kg )(9.8 m/s²)

d² = 8.226x10¹⁰ m²

d =√(8.226x10¹⁰ m²)

d = 286809.88 m

Distance can be found on one of the following coordinates which is given below

(d,0), (0,d), (-d,0), (0,-d)