To calculate the acceleration of a charge in an electric field, we start by determining the force acting on the charge. The force \( F \) experienced by a charge \( q \) in a uniform electric field \( E \) is given by the equation:
F = q * E
We are given:
- Charge, q = 1.6 x 10-19 C
- Electric field, E = 1200 V/m
Substituting these values into the equation for force:
F = 1.6 x 10-19 C * 1200 V/m
This results in:
F = 1.92 x 10-16 N
Next, we use Newton’s second law of motion to find the acceleration \( a \) of the charge. This law is given as:
F = m * a
Rearranging for \( a \), we have:
a = F / m
We know:
- Force, F = 1.92 x 10-16 N
- Mass, m = 9.1 x 10-31 kg
Substituting these values in the equation for acceleration:
a = \(\frac{1.92 x 10^{-16} N}{9.1 x 10^{-31} kg}\)
Calculating the above expression gives:
a ≈ 2.11 x 1014 ms-2
Therefore, the acceleration of the charge is approximately 2.11 x 1014 ms-2.