Compare the magnitudes of the electric and magnetic forces on an electron that has attained a velocity of 107 m/s. Assume an electric field intensity of 105 V/m, and a magnetic flux density associated with that of the Earth's magnetic field in temperate latitudes, 0.5 gauss.

F = 1.608 x 10⁻¹⁴ N

Explanation:

Given,

The velocity of the electron, v = 10⁷ m/s

The electric field intensity, E = 10⁵ V/m

The magnetic flux density, B = 0.5 gauss

= 5 x 10⁻⁵ tesla

The magnitudes of the electric and magnetic forces on an electron is given by the Lorentz force,

F = q (E + v x B)

Substituting the given values,

F = 1.6 x 10⁻¹⁹ (10⁵ + 10⁷ x 5 x 10⁻⁵)

F = 1.608 x 10⁻¹⁴ N

Hence, the magnitudes of the electric and magnetic forces on an electron is, F = 1.608 x 10⁻¹⁴ N