In: Physics
What is the magnitude and direction of an electric field if it exerts a downward force of 10-6N on a charge of -5μC?
Could you please explain how to do this question? Thank you
Given
the magnitude of the force exerted by the field on a charge of q =-5*10^-6 C is
F = 10^-6 N downward
writing the force in vector form (x,y plane)
F = 0 i - 10^-6 j
i,j are unit vectors along x,y directions
we know that the force on a charge inside an electric field is F = E*q
F = E*q
E = F/q
E = (-10^-6)j/(-5*10^-6) N/C
E = 0.2 N/C j
the magnitude is 0.2 N/C
and the direction is upward direction