In the early 1900s, Robert Millikan used small charged droplets of oil. suspende

Question

In the early 1900s, Robert Millikan used small charged droplets of oil. suspended in an electric field, to make the first quantitative measurements of the electron's charge. A0.79-mu m-diameter droplet of oil, having a charge of +e, is suspended in midair between two horizontal plates of a parallel-plate capacitor. The upward electric force on the droplet is exactly balanced by the downward force of gravity. The oil has a density of 860 kg/m^3, and the capacitor plates are 4.0 mm apart. Part A What must the potential difference between the plates be to hold the droplet in equilibrium? Express your answer with the appropriate units. Delta V = _____

Explanation / Answer

Given that

density of oil d=860 kg/m^3

diameter D=0.79*10^-6 m

radius r=0.395*10^-6 m

distance r=4 mm

now we find the electric field

the electric field E=mg/q=(Vd)g/q=(4/3*3.14*(0.395*10^-6)^3)*860*9.8/1.6*10^-19

=13591.4 N

now we find the potential difference

the potential difference =13591.4*4*10^-3=54.3656 v

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