Make sure electro does not fall

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    Electro Fall
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the electric field required to prevent an electron from falling towards the Earth, considering gravitational forces and the charge of the Earth.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster approaches the problem by equating gravitational force to electric force and questions the correctness of their reasoning. Participants also discuss the charge of the Earth and its implications for the direction of the electric field.

Discussion Status

Some participants have expressed agreement with the original poster's approach, while others have sought clarification on the charge of the Earth and its effect on the electric field direction. The conversation is exploring different interpretations of the problem without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about whether the Earth is typically considered positively or negatively charged, which may influence the understanding of the electric field's direction.

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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