What is the Direction of Magnetic Force?

In summary: Okay, thanks for clarifying. So in summary, the force vector exerted on a charged particle by a magnetic field is perpendicular to the magnetic field and the direction of the charge's motion, and can be determined using the right hand rule. The sign of the charge does not affect the direction of the force. Additionally, the magnetic field and magnetic field strength (H) are co-linear and differ by the constant \mu.
  • #1
DODGEVIPER13
672
0

Homework Statement


Assuming the following directions of the charged particles velocity and magnetic field indicate the direction of the magnetic force exerted on the particle?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The force vector is perpendicular to the B field and the right hand rule states the charge is out of the page so would the vector be down?
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    19.5 KB · Views: 387
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
DODGEVIPER13 said:

Homework Statement


Assuming the following directions of the charged particles velocity and magnetic field indicate the direction of the magnetic force exerted on the particle?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The force vector is perpendicular to the B field and the right hand rule states the charge is out of the page so would the vector be down?

Well, since the picture is posted sideways, it's hard to know what you mean by "down". :smile:

What equation should you use in this problem? It's an equation that you should get very familiar and comfortable with. And does the sign of the charge make a difference in force direction?
 
  • #3
Lorentz force law Q(E+uxB) and you if the sign is negative it will be towards it if positive outwards
 
  • #4
DODGEVIPER13 said:
Lorentz force law Q(E+uxB) and you if the sign is negative it will be towards it if positive outwards

That's the correct equation and you have the correct understanding/intuition. Does that mean you can solve the question now?
 
  • #5
Is H analogous to B so it should be perpendicular to H field?
 
  • #6
DODGEVIPER13 said:
Is H analogous to B so it should be perpendicular to H field?

Yes. [tex]B = \mu H[/tex]

So B and H are co-linear, and differ by the constant [tex]\mu[/tex]
 
  • #7
Ok we'll I guess it would be easier to answer this with RHR which would be out of the page right? In which case I could draw a circle with a dot in it and just write found by RHR
 

1. What is the direction of magnetic force?

The direction of magnetic force is determined by the direction of the magnetic field and the direction of the current. The force is perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the current, and follows the right hand rule.

2. How is the direction of magnetic force calculated?

The direction of magnetic force is calculated using the equation F = qv x B, where F is the force, q is the charge of the particle, v is its velocity, and B is the magnetic field. The direction of the force is perpendicular to both v and B, and follows the right hand rule.

3. Can the direction of magnetic force be reversed?

Yes, the direction of magnetic force can be reversed by changing the direction of either the magnetic field or the current. This is because the force is always perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the current.

4. How does the direction of magnetic force affect the motion of a charged particle?

The direction of magnetic force determines the direction of the resulting motion of a charged particle. If the force is perpendicular to the velocity of the particle, it will cause the particle to move in a circular or helical path. If the force is parallel to the velocity, it will not change the speed of the particle, but will alter its direction of motion.

5. Are there any real-life applications of the direction of magnetic force?

Yes, the direction of magnetic force has many real-life applications, such as in electric motors, generators, and particle accelerators. It is also used in medical imaging techniques such as MRI machines, as well as in compasses for navigation.

Similar threads

  • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
867
Replies
1
Views
642
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
201
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
208
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
957
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
1
Views
831
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
349
Replies
1
Views
884
Replies
4
Views
830
Back
Top