Question

The electric field near the earth's surface has magnitude of about 150n/c. what is the acceleration experienced by an electron near the surface of the earth?express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units. assume that the positive axis is directed upward.

Answer 1

Felectric = q*E 
 Ftranslational = m*a 
 Felectric = Ftranslational
 q*E = m*a 
 Solve for a 
 a = q/m*E 
 Our sign convention is "up is positive" 
 q = 1.6*10^-19 C 
 m = 1.67*10^-27 kg 
 E = -150 N/C (- because it is down and up is positive) 
 a = -6,4*10^5 m/s^2 (downward) 
 answer
 a = -6,4*10^5 m/s^2 (downward)