3) [QJ A spherical conductor of radius R carrying charge Q has a field of streng

Question

3) [QJ A spherical conductor of radius R carrying charge Q has a field of strength kQ R2 right outside its surface. (a) Electrons in air molecules can be ripped free from the protons in the presence of a 3 million N/C electric field leading to electrical discharge (bolts of lightning). If the conductor has a total charge of Q must its radius be in order for this effect to occur? 8 how sma (b) What is the magnitude of the electrical force on the electrons and protons making up the air right near the surfa of the conductor? Draw a sketch of the conductor's surface, and the direction of the electric force on both electron and a proton right near that surf

Explanation / Answer

a] E = kQ/R^2

3e6 = 9e9*8e-6/R^2

R = sqrt(72000/3e6)

= 0.155 m answer

b] F = qE = 1.6e-19*3e6 = 4.8e-13 N

Force on electrons and protons are 4.8*10^-13 N in opposite directions.

In the sketch, Force on proton (which is at a distance R from conductor) will act away from the conductor, and electron(which is at the location of proton) will act towards the conductor

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