In the Milikan oil drop experiment the drop carries 10 electronic charges charge and a mass of `4.4 xx 10^(-15)kg`. It is held almost stationary between two horizontal plate separated by 2cm. What is the potential between the plates?

Explanation

Data supplied
Let V be the potential the plates separated by a distance d. Thus, electric field intensity, `E=V/d, d=2 xx 10^(-2)m`
Charge `q=ne= 10 xx 10^(-19)C, Mass m=4.4 xx 10^(-15)kg`
Since the drop is held stationary, the electrostatic field is equal to the weight of the drop.
i.e.qE=mg `(q V)/(d)=mg`
`V=(mgd)/(q)=(4.4 xx 10^(-15) xx 9.8 xx 2 xx 10^(-2))/(10 xx 1.6 xx 10^(-19))=539"volts"`