an electric field of 15000 N/C is directed along the positive x-axis, what is the electric force on an electron in this field?
To find the electric force on an electron in an electric field, you need to use the formula:
F = q * E,
where F is the electric force on the electron, q is the charge of the electron, and E is the electric field strength.
The charge of an electron is given by:
q = -e,
where e is the elementary charge, which is approximately -1.6 x 10^-19 Coulombs.
Therefore, substituting the known values into the formula:
F = (-1.6 x 10^-19 C) * (15000 N/C),
F = -2.4 x 10^-15 N.
The negative sign indicates that the force is in the opposite direction to the electric field, which means the force is acting in the negative x-axis direction.