Make sure electro does not fall

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    Electro Fall
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To prevent an electron from falling to the ground near the Earth's surface, the electric field E must counteract the gravitational force acting on the electron. The relationship is expressed as Fg = Eq, leading to the equation mg/q = E, where m is the mass of the electron and g is the acceleration due to gravity. The discussion clarifies that the Earth is typically considered negatively charged, which aligns with the downward direction of the electric field. Understanding this concept is crucial for solving related physics problems. The explanation provided resolves the initial confusion about the Earth's charge.
seto6
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THIS IS NOT A HOME WORK QUESTION THIS AS FROM ANOTHER Tutorial

find the electric field E need to prevent an electron from falling down to ground, when close to surface of the earth.

i approached this question saying that take gravity into account and take Earth to be negatively charged.

then Fg=Eq then Fg/q=E...

mg/q=E

is this correct?

if not can you explain the reasoning please!
 
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Looks good to me.
 
normally do we take Earth to be + or negative?
 
seto6 said:
normally do we take Earth to be + or negative?
The electric field surrounding the Earth points downward. (The Earth is negatively charged.)
 
thanks that makes more sense now!
 
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