Question

Someone Help!!

An electron with a charge of -1.6 x 10^-19 coulombs experiences a field of 1.4 x 10^5 newtons/coulomb. What is the magnitude of the electric force on this electron due to this field?

If you could please show the steps, I would be very appreciative! :)

Answer 1

You can start with the expression for the electric force, the force acting upon a charged particle when immersed in an electric field:
\[\vec F = q \vec E\]
from that you can get the magnitude of the force as the product of the charge times the magnitude of the electric field...

Answer 2

Okay...so the equation would look something like...this?:

1.4 x 10^5 = -1.6 x 10^-19(E)

Answer 3

No, you're given the Electric field not the force.

Answer 4

Oh! So

F = -1.6 x 10^-19 * 1.4 x 10^5 would be the correct format?

Answer 5

Yes, and since your charge is negative, it means the electric force and field are in opposite directions.

Answer 6

But your question is asking for the magnitude, so I guess you don't need to worry about the direction.

Answer 7

I'm trying to calculate, but it's giving me -2.24e-14, am I doing something wrong?

You have to convert the two parts into decimal form, correct?

Answer 8

i get the same number for the force magnitude: \(F=2.24\times 10^{-14}N\)

Answer 9

For the magnitude it's best you take the absolute value as @Greg_D has presented.

Answer 10

In the answers they have to choose from, I believe 2.2 x 10^-14N would be the closest?

Thank you so much, the both of you :)

Answer 11

yes, that is what you get if you round to 1 decimal figure. good work!

Answer 12

Nice :)