Questions: A -6.5 μC charge experiences a downward electric force of 5.9 N. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric field at the position of this charge.

Solution Steps

The electric force \( F \) experienced by a charge \( q \) in an electric field \( E \) is given by the equation: \[ F = qE \]

Rearrange the equation to solve for the electric field \( E \): \[ E = \frac{F}{q} \]

Substitute the given values into the equation:

• \( F = 5.9 \, \text{N} \)
• \( q = -6.5 \, \mu \text{C} = -6.5 \times 10^{-6} \, \text{C} \)

\[ E = \frac{5.9}{-6.5 \times 10^{-6}} \]

Calculate the magnitude of \( E \): \[ E = \frac{5.9}{6.5 \times 10^{-6}} \]

Since the charge is negative and the force is downward, the electric field direction is opposite to the force direction, which is upward.

Final Answer