Direction of force on the charge?

[awilliam_3]

Homework Statement

A uniform electric field has a magnitude E and is directed in the +x-direction. A negative (-) charged particle is placed in the electric field. Determine the direction of the force on the charge.

A) +x direction
B) -x direction
C) 45 degrees below the -x axis
D) -y direction
E) 45 degrees above the +x axis
F) +y direction

Homework Equations

F = ma

The Attempt at a Solution

Using the x- and y-axes, the electric field is in the -y-direction and the initial velocity of the electron is in the +x-direction and the initial velocity of the electron is in the +x-direction. The electric force on the electron is upward (in the +y-direction) since it has a negative charge and is constant because the field is uniform. Thus, the acceleration of the electron is constant and directed upward. Since the acceleration is in the +y-direction, the x-component of the velocity is constant.

Thus, I chose (E) for the answer.

 

[tiny-tim]

hi awilliam_3!

A uniform electric field has a magnitude E
…
Using the x- and y-axes, the electric field is in the -y-direction and the initial velocity of the electron is in the +x-direction and the initial velocity of the electron is in the +x-direction. The electric force on the electron is upward (in the +y-direction) since it has a negative charge and is constant because the field is uniform. Thus, the acceleration of the electron is constant and directed upward. Since the acceleration is in the +y-direction, the x-component of the velocity is constant.

i'm confused …

what does velocity have to do with it? ​

(this isn't a magnetic field )

 

[awilliam_3]

Oh my, now I'm confused.