Question

With a thunderstorm brewing, an electric field of magnitude 2.0 × 102 newtons/coulomb exists at a certain point in the earth’s atmosphere. If an electron at that point has a charge of -1.6 × 10-19 coulombs, what is the magnitude of the force on the electron as a result of the electric field?
A.
2.0 × 10-6 newtons
B.
3.2 × 10-17 newtons
C.
5.8 × 105 newtons
D.
6.4 × 10-3 newtons
E.
1.7 × 104 newtons

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is (b).

Explanation:

Given that,

Electric field, $E=2\times 10^2\ N/C$

We need to find the magnitude of the force on the electron as a result of the electric field.

We know that, the electric force is given by :

$F=qE\\\\=1.6\times 10^{-19}\times 2\times 10^2\\\\F=3.2\times 10^{-17}\ N$

So, the required force on the electron is equal to $3.2\times 10^{-17}\ N$.