Help about millikan oil drops apparatus?

In summary, the conversation discusses a millikan type apparatus with horizontal plates that are 2 cm apart. With the field off, an oil drop falls with a velocity of 2 x 10^-4 m/s. When the field is on, the upper plate is positive and the drop remains stationary when the potential difference between the plates is 1150 V. The conversation then moves on to calculate the radius of the oil drop and the number of electron charges it carries. For part a, the equations used include w=fd and m g = 6 ##\pi## η r v, while for part b, the equations used are fe=w and q Δv/d = m g. It is mentioned that the values of m
  • #1
astri_lfc
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0

Homework Statement



in a millikan type apparatus, the horizontal plates are 2 cm apart. with the field switched off, an oil drop is observed to fall with a steady velocity of 2 x 10^-4 m/s. when the field is on, the upper plate being positive and the drop just remains stationary when the pd between two plates is 1150 v

a/ calculate the radius of the oildrop
b/ how many electrons charges does it carry

Homework Equations


a/ w=fd
m g = 6 phi η r v

b/ fe = w
q Δv/d = m g

The Attempt at a Solution



a/ i don't understand how much is m, and η
it is not mention in the question. what should i do? where should i put V?

b/how much is m?
 
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  • #2
η and the density of oil are something you have to look up (in the problem statement or somewhere else).
m can be calculated as function of the radius of the oil drop and the density.

"phi" is pi (##\pi##)?

where should i put V?
What do you mean here?
v as velocity? Exactly where it is in the formula.
V as volume? That is related to the mass.
V as voltage? Exactly where it is in the formula.
 

1. What is a Millikan oil drop apparatus?

The Millikan oil drop apparatus is a scientific instrument used to determine the charge of an electron by measuring the rate at which oil droplets fall in an electric field.

2. How does the Millikan oil drop apparatus work?

The apparatus consists of a chamber filled with air and a mist of oil droplets. An electric field is applied to the chamber, causing the droplets to fall at a steady speed. By adjusting the strength of the electric field, the droplets can be made to rise or fall. The rate of fall is then measured, and the charge of the electron can be calculated.

3. Who invented the Millikan oil drop apparatus?

The apparatus was invented by American physicist Robert Millikan in 1909.

4. What is the significance of the Millikan oil drop experiment?

The experiment is significant because it provided the first direct measurement of the charge of an electron, which was a crucial step in understanding the structure of atoms and the development of modern physics.

5. Can the Millikan oil drop apparatus be used for other purposes?

While the apparatus was originally designed to measure the charge of an electron, it can also be used to study the properties of other small particles, such as proteins and viruses. It is also used in research on atmospheric aerosols and their effects on climate.

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