An electron (q=-1.6x10^-19 C) is placed in an electric field created by a large positive charge. The strength of the field is 3.0x 10^6 N/C.
a. What is the size of the force acting on the electron?
b. Is the force on the electron exerted inward or outward?
To find the force acting on the electron, you can use the formula:
Force (F) = charge (q) x electric field strength (E)
a. Substituting the given values:
Charge (q) = -1.6x10^-19 C
Electric field strength (E) = 3.0x10^6 N/C
F = (-1.6x10^-19 C) x (3.0x10^6 N/C)
Now we can calculate the force by multiplying the two values:
F = -4.8x10^-13 N
Therefore, the size of the force acting on the electron is -4.8x10^-13 N. Note that the negative sign indicates that the force is acting in the opposite direction to the electric field.
b. Since the electron has a negative charge, and the force acts in the opposite direction to the electric field, the force on the electron is exerted inward.