Question

What is the minimum magnitude of an electric field that balances the weight of a plasticsphere of mass 5.4 g that has been charged to -3.0 nC

Answer 1

E = 17.64 x 10⁶ N/C = 17.64 MN/C

Step-by-step explanation:

The electric field is given by the following formula:

E = F/q

E= W/q

E = mg/q

where,

E = magnitude of electric field = ?

m = mass of plastic sphere = 5.4 g = 5.4 x 10⁻³ kg

g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s²

= charge = 3 nC = 3 x 10⁻⁹ C

Therefore,

E = (5.4 x 10⁻³ kg)(9.8 m/s²)/(3 x 10⁻⁹ C)

E = 17.64 x 10⁶ N/C = 17.64 MN/C