A small object with a 5.0-mC charge is accelerating horizontally on a friction-free surface at 0.0050 m/s2 due only to an electric field. If the object has a mass of 2.0 g, what is the magnitude of the electric field

Explanation:

Parameters given:

Charge of object, q = 5 mC =

Acceleration of object, a =

Mass of object, m = 2.0 g

The Electric field exerts a particular force on the object, causing it to accelerate (Electrostatic force).

We know that Electrostatic force, F, is given in terms of Electric field, E, as:

F = qE

This means that the object exerts a force of -qE on the Electric force (Action with equal and opposite reaction).

The object also has a force, F, due to its acceleration a. This force is the product of its mass and acceleration. Mathematically:

F = ma

Equating the two forces of the object, we get:

-qE = ma

=>

Solving for E, we have:

The magnitude will be:

The electric field has a magnitude of 0.002 N/C.