Question

What is the strength of an electric field that will balance the weight of a 9.0 gg plastic sphere that has been charged to -1.6 nCnC ? Express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Answer 1

Answer: The strength of an electric field is E = - 0,05.10⁹ N/C.

Step-by-step explanation: According to the question, the plastic sphere is in equilibrium in an electric field. This sugests that the forces acting on the sphere, which are Gravitational Force (Fg) and Electric Force (Fe) are also in equilibrium, denotating Fg=Fe.

As Fg = m . g, with m = 0,009kg and g= 9,8m/s², we have Fg = 0,0882N.

Knowing the value of Fe, the strength of the electric field can be calculated as

E = Fe/Q, in which Q is the electric charge.

E = (0,0882) / (-1,6·10⁻⁹)

E = - 0,05·10⁹N/C