due to the electric effects on the earth and in the atmosphere, there is an electric field near the earth's surface that points down. Assuming the electric field is uniform with a magnitude of 150N/C, what charge in C would a 145g baseball need to float as though it were weightless?

Answer 1

To find the charge needed for the baseball to float, we can use the formula:

Electric force = Charge x Electric field

The electric force is equal to the weight of the baseball when it is floating weightlessly. So we have:

Weight of baseball = Charge x Electric field

Weight = mass x gravity

Weight = 0 (when the baseball is floating weightlessly)

So,
0 = Charge x Electric field

Charge = 0 / Electric field

Charge = 0 / 150 N/C = 0 C

Therefore, the baseball would not need any charge to float weightlessly in this scenario.