An electric field of 264,000 N/C points due west at a certain spot. What are the magnitude and direction of the force that acts on a charge of -6.3 µC at this spot?
To find the magnitude and direction of the force acting on a charge, we can use the equation:
F = q * E
where F is the force, q is the charge, and E is the electric field.
Given:
Electric field, E = 264,000 N/C (points due west)
Charge, q = -6.3 µC
Now, let's solve for the force:
First, we need to convert the charge from microcoulombs (µC) to coulombs (C):
-6.3 µC = -6.3 * 10^-6 C
Next, substituting the values into the equation:
F = (-6.3 * 10^-6 C) * (264,000 N/C)
Calculating the force:
F = -6.3 * 10^-6 C * 264,000 N/C
F = -1.6672 N
The magnitude of the force acting on the charge is 1.6672 newtons.
Now, let's determine the direction of the force:
Since the electric field points due west and the charge is negative, the force will be in the opposite direction.
Therefore, the direction of the force acting on the charge is east.
In summary, the magnitude of the force is 1.6672 N, and it acts in the east direction.