An electron is placed in a vertical electric field directed upward and of intensity E=5v/m.
Compare the weight of the electron to the electrostatic force to which it is submitted. Deduce.
Gravitational field strength: g=9.8m/s^2
Thanks.
Fe = Eq
q for an electron is 1.6e-19
Fg = mg
m for an electron is 9.11e-31
To compare the weight of the electron to the electrostatic force on it, we need to calculate each force and then compare their magnitudes.
1. Weight of the electron:
The weight of an object can be calculated using the formula:
Weight = mass x gravitational field strength
The mass of an electron is approximately 9.11 x 10^-31 kg.
The gravitational field strength is given as 9.8 m/s^2.
So, the weight of the electron is:
Weight = (9.11 x 10^-31 kg) x (9.8 m/s^2)
2. Electrostatic force on the electron:
The electrostatic force on an object due to an electric field can be calculated using the formula:
Force = charge x electric field strength
The charge of an electron is approximately -1.6 x 10^-19 Coulombs.
The electric field strength is given as 5 V/m.
So, the electrostatic force on the electron is:
Force = (-1.6 x 10^-19 C) x (5 V/m)
Now, we can compare the magnitudes of the weight and electrostatic force to find out their relationship. Let's express both forces in scientific notation and compare their magnitudes:
Weight = (9.11 x 10^-31 kg) x (9.8 m/s^2)
≈ 8.95 x 10^-30 N
Force = (-1.6 x 10^-19 C) x (5 V/m)
= -8.0 x 10^-19 N
By comparing the magnitudes, we can see that the weight of the electron (8.95 x 10^-30 N) is significantly smaller than the electrostatic force on it (-8.0 x 10^-19 N). Therefore, we can deduce that the electrostatic force is much stronger than the weight of the electron.