Force Experienced by an Electron in an Electric Field

Guy answered it perfectly. The answers listed in the conversation are not correct and do not match the given information. The correct equations to use for these problems are F = qE and E = mg/q, as AModestGuy mentioned. However, the given answers do not match the given information and therefore cannot be used to solve the problem. In summary, the given answers are not correct and do not match the given information. The correct equations to use are F = qE and E = mg/q.
  • #1
Soaring Crane
469
0
An electron is placed in an electric field of strength 300 N/C. What is the magnitude of the force the electron experiences?
1.6x10^13 N
2.4x10^13 N
3.2x10^14 N
4.8x10^14 N
6.4x10^14 N

A particle of mass 0.005 kg is given a charge of +4.0 µC and is placed in an electrical field that is directed antiparallel to the Earth's gravitational field. What is the field strength, expressed in N/C, if it balances the weight of the particle?
1.6 x10^6
2.4 x10^6
3.2 x10^6
4.4 x10^6
4.7 x10^6

Wen I tried to do these questions, I did not even come close to the figure in bold. I thought F = Eq or F = mg/q would be sufficient enough, but I guess not. Can anyone explain how to arrive at each answer?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
F = Eq is the correct equation to use for the first part, but all those answers listed are wrong.
q is the charge of an electron = 1.6 * 10^-19 C,
Just look at the exponents. You would have to have an E in the order of 10^33 N/C in order to come anywhere near those numbers. Are you sure you copied the question correctly?

For the second, I think you mean E = mg/q not F = mg/q. Again, all the choices are wrong? Where did you get these questions?
 
  • #3
Soaring Crane said:
An electron is placed in an electric field of strength 300 N/C. What is the magnitude of the force the electron experiences?
1.6x10^13 N
2.4x10^13 N
3.2x10^14 N
4.8x10^14 N
6.4x10^14 N
None of these answers are even close to being right. The force is qE. If E is 300 and q is 1.6e-19 Coulomb, qE = 4.8e-17 N.

A particle of mass 0.005 kg is given a charge of +4.0 µC and is placed in an electrical field that is directed antiparallel to the Earth's gravitational field. What is the field strength, expressed in N/C, if it balances the weight of the particle?
1.6 x10^6
2.4 x10^6
3.2 x10^6
4.4 x10^6
4.7 x10^6
Again: F = qE, but in this case F also = mg, so qE = mg; E = mg/q

Plugging in the numbers, E = 5e-3*9.8/4e-6 = 1.225 e4 N/C Again none of the answers fit.

Where did you get these questions?

AM
 

1. What is the force experienced by an electron in an electric field?

The force experienced by an electron in an electric field is known as the electric force or Coulomb force. It is a fundamental force that describes the attraction or repulsion between two charged particles.

2. How is the force experienced by an electron in an electric field calculated?

The force experienced by an electron in an electric field can be calculated using the equation F = qE, where F is the force, q is the charge of the electron, and E is the strength of the electric field. This equation is known as Coulomb's law.

3. What factors affect the force experienced by an electron in an electric field?

The force experienced by an electron in an electric field is affected by the strength of the electric field, the charge of the electron, and the distance between the electron and the source of the electric field. It is also influenced by any other charges present in the electric field.

4. How does the direction of the electric field impact the force experienced by an electron?

The direction of the electric field determines the direction of the force experienced by an electron. If the electric field is positive, the force will be in the same direction as the field. If the electric field is negative, the force will be in the opposite direction.

5. Can the force experienced by an electron in an electric field be negative?

Yes, the force experienced by an electron in an electric field can be negative. This occurs when the electric field and the charge of the electron are in opposite directions, resulting in a repulsive force. However, the magnitude of the force will still be positive.

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