Exam-style question
Try this first
In Millikan's oil-drop experiment, what principle is used to determine the charge of an electron?.
- A.Force balance
- B.Energy conservation
- C.Momentum conservation
- D.Pressure difference
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Force balance
Explanation
Why this works
Millikan's oil-drop experiment determines the charge of an electron by balancing the gravitational force acting on the oil droplet with the electric force exerted by an electric field. This force balance allows for the calculation of the charge on the droplet, which corresponds to the charge of the electron.
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.