Lorentz Force Equation: Geometric Interpretation

In summary, the quantity \widehat{x} \ \textbf{x B} is a vector orthogonal to both x and B, with a magnitude equal to the amount of rotation needed to align B with the x direction multiplied by the magnitude of B. It also represents the area of a rhombus formed by the vectors. B can be found if \widehat{x} \textbf{ x B}, \widehat{y} \textbf{ x B}, and \widehat{z} \textbf{ x B} are known.
  • #1
Somefantastik
230
0
[tex] \textbf{L} \ = \ q\left( \textbf{v \ x \ B} \right) [/tex]

L, v, and B are vectors, and B represents magnetic induction.

if [tex] \textbf{v} \ = \widehat{x}, [/tex]
then [tex] \textbf{v x B} = \widehat{x} \ \textbf{x B}[/tex]

What is this quantity, [tex] \widehat{x} \ \textbf{x B}[/tex], geometrically?
 
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  • #2
A vector orthogonal to both x and B whose magnitude corresponds to the amount of angle needed to rotate B into the x direction times the magnitude of B itself.
The magnitude is also the area of a rhombus framed by the vectors.
 
  • #3
Can I find B if I know

[tex]\widehat{x} \textbf{ x B} [/tex]

[tex]\widehat{y} \textbf{ x B} [/tex]

[tex]\widehat{z} \textbf{ x B} [/tex] ?
 

1. What is the Lorentz force equation and how is it used?

The Lorentz force equation, also known as the Lorentz law, describes the force exerted on a charged particle by an electric and magnetic field. It is used to calculate the force on a charged particle in a given electric and magnetic field, and is commonly used in electromagnetism and particle physics.

2. What is the geometric interpretation of the Lorentz force equation?

The geometric interpretation of the Lorentz force equation is that it describes the path of a charged particle as it moves through an electric and magnetic field. The electric field causes the particle to move in a straight line, while the magnetic field causes it to move in a circular path perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.

3. How does the Lorentz force equation explain the motion of charged particles in a magnetic field?

The Lorentz force equation explains the motion of charged particles in a magnetic field by taking into account the force exerted by the magnetic field on the particle. The equation shows that the force is perpendicular to both the velocity of the particle and the magnetic field, causing the particle to move in a circular path.

4. Can the Lorentz force equation be used to calculate the force on a stationary charged particle?

No, the Lorentz force equation can only be used to calculate the force on a moving charged particle. If the particle is stationary, its velocity is zero and therefore the force would also be zero. The equation is only valid for particles in motion.

5. How does the Lorentz force equation relate to the principle of conservation of momentum?

The Lorentz force equation is based on the principle of conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum of a system remains constant in the absence of external forces. The equation shows that the force exerted on a charged particle is proportional to its velocity and the strength of the electric and magnetic fields, which is consistent with the conservation of momentum principle.

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