A charged particle with mass m is suspended in the air by an upward-directed electric field E.What is the charge on the dust particle?
A)q = mgE
B)q = mg/E
C)q = E/mg
D)q = Em/g

Question

​A charged particle with mass m is suspended in the air by an upward-directed electric field E.What is the charge on the dust particle?
A)​q = mgE
B)​q = mg/E
C)​q = E/mg
D)​​q = Em​/​g

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a charged particle to be suspended in the air by an electric field, the electric force (qE) must balance the gravitational force (mg). Thus, qE = mg. Solving for q gives q = mg/E.

​A Charged Particle with Mass M Is Suspended in the Air

A Charged Particle with Mass M Is Suspended in the Air