The earth has not only a magnetic field (which directs your compass), but an atm

Question

The earth has not only a magnetic field (which directs your compass), but an atmospheric electric field. During days of fair weather (no thunder clouds), this atmospheric field has a strength of about 100 N/C and it points down. a) What force would a single electron experience if placed in this field?
______________ N
Direction(up or down): ______________

If this electron was on a dust particle with a mass of 1.0 x 10-18 kg, what would the net force (electric and gravitational)on the particle be?
________________ N.
Direction: ______________

Explanation / Answer

the electric field strength E = 100 N/C

the charge of the electron, q = 1.602*10^-19 C

the force acting on the electron, F = qE

Fe = 1.602*10^-19*100 = 1.602*10^-17 N

the direction of the force is upward.

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the gravitational force Fg = mg = 1.0*10^-18*9.8

Fg = 9.8*10^-18 N (downward)

the net force F = Fe-Fg

F = 1.602*10^-17 - 0.98*10^-17

F = 0.622*10^-17 N

the net force direction is upward.

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