- #1
MJC8719
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High above the surface of the Earth, charged particles (such as electrons and protons) can become trapped in the Earth's magnetic field in regions known as Van Allen belts. A typical electron in a Van Allen belt has an energy of 45 keV and travels in a roughly circular orbit with an average radius of 200 m. What is the magnitude of the Earth's magnetic field where such an electron orbits
So, the only equation I can think of that might be useful is r = mv/(qB) where solving for B would give me the magnetic field of the earth...I cannot figure out though, what the velocity of the particle is...
I thought it might be 45keV = 1/2mv^2 with m as the mass of an electron, but solving for v and plugging it into the above equation, did not yield a correct answer...
This problem is listed as an 'easy' one in our book, so I think its just something simple that cannot be clicking...
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
So, the only equation I can think of that might be useful is r = mv/(qB) where solving for B would give me the magnetic field of the earth...I cannot figure out though, what the velocity of the particle is...
I thought it might be 45keV = 1/2mv^2 with m as the mass of an electron, but solving for v and plugging it into the above equation, did not yield a correct answer...
This problem is listed as an 'easy' one in our book, so I think its just something simple that cannot be clicking...
Any help would be greatly appreciated.