an electron and a proton are released in a region of space where the electrical field is vertically downward. How do the elctric forces acting on the electron and proton compare?

By direction of electric force, we can compare the electric force on electron and proton.

Explanation:

Electric force defined as the force experienced by two charge particles. It can also be defined as force experienced by the charge particle in the presence of electric field. Electric force can be positive or negative.

The relation between Electric field and Electric force is:

F = q E ... (1)

Here F is electric force, E is electric field and q is the charge on the particle.

From equation (1), we say that electric force depends upon the charge of the particle and strength of electric field in the region of space.

We know that electron and proton both have same magnitude of charge but opposite to each other. Electron is negatively charge while proton is positively charge.

According to the problem, Electric field acts in the downward direction. Let downward direction as negative. As proton and electron are in the same strength of magnetic field and having same charge but opposite. Thus, they both experience same electric force but in opposite direction.

For proton, F = - q E

For electron, F = q E

For proton, the electric force acts in the downward direction while for electron, the electric force in the upward direction. By direction of electric force, we can compare the electric force on electron and proton.