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The effect of an electric field (voltage) on a negatively charged oil droplet In

ID: 998218 • Letter: T

Question

The effect of an electric field (voltage) on a negatively charged oil droplet In the Millikan oil droplet experiment, the oil is sprayed from an atomizer into a chamber. The droplets are allowed to pass through the hole into the chamber so that their fall can be observed. The top and bottom of the chamber consist of electrically charged plates. The upper plate is positively charged, and the lower plate is negatively charged. X rays are introduced into the chamber so that when they strike the oil droplets, the droplets will acquire one or more negative charges. The electric field (voltage) is applied to the metal plates. Watch the animation and identify the effects of an electric field on the motion of a negatively charged oil droplet. Consider the gravitational force as F_g and the electric force as F_e. All the other forces acting on the oil droplet can be ignored as their effect on the motion of the oil droplet is negligible. Check all that apply. In the presence of an electric field, the negatively charged oil droplet moves freely toward the negatively charged plate. If F_e is increased until it is equal to F_g, the negatively charged oil droplet will remain stationary. If F_e is greater than F_g, the negatively charged oil droplet will move freely toward the negatively charged plate. In the absence of an electric field, the oil droplet falls freely due to the gravitational force.

Explanation / Answer

In millikan oil droplet experiment, the oil droplet is negatively charged and placed between two plates

a) upper plate; Positively charged

b) lower plate: Negatively charged

(i) In presence of electric field, the force is just balanced and the droplet suspended in between the two plates. In absence of electric field the droplet falls freely on negatively charged plate [So not applicable]

(ii) Truemg

Fe= qE

Fg = mg

When, qE = mg,the drop is stationary

(iii) If Fe > Fg : then it will not move freely on negatively charged plate (So not applicable)

(iv) Yes, in absence of electric field they fall due to gravitational force: applicable

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