Chapter 21.2, Problem 45SSC

To determine

The net charge on the falling drop.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The quantity of work require to transfer a unit charge from a reference point to a particular point within the electric field without generating an acceleration is called electric potential. The difference in the electric potential between the two points within the electric field is known as potential difference.

Changing the potential difference between the conducting plates has no effect on the falling drop indicates that the drop is electrically neutral. Because if the drop is electrically charged it experiences a force from the conducting plates. If the drop is positively charged it gets attracted towards the negative plate and vicesera.