Magnitude of the net force that acts on the charge

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To determine the net force acting on a charge in a magnetic and electric field, the Lorentz force law is applied, which combines the effects of both fields. The electric force (Fe) is calculated using F=qE, and the magnetic force (Fb) is determined with F=qvB. Given the values of the electric field (6.0 x 10^3 N/C), magnetic field (1.2 x 10^-3 T), and the charge (1.8 µC) moving at a speed of 2.6 x 10^6 m/s, the forces are computed separately. The net force is then found by taking the square root of the sum of the squares of the electric and magnetic forces. This approach successfully yields the magnitude of the net force acting on the charge.
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A magnetic field has a magnitude of 1.2 10-3 T, and an electric field has a magnitude of 6.0 103 N/C. Both fields point in the same direction. A positive 1.8 µC charge moves at a speed of 2.6 106 m/s in a direction that is perpendicular to both fields. Determine the magnitude of the net force that acts on the charge.

Okay, i know that Fnet=the square root of Fe^2+Fb^2, and after drawing a diagram, i think that they are 2 perpendicular forces, but I don't know what to plug into the equation, or where to begin. :confused:
 
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you want to start with the Lorentz force law. It states that the vector forces an electric charge will feel from a magnetic and electric field are

F = q(E + v x B) where E, v, and B are vectors and the x denotes the cross product. Pick any direction for the velocity (say the z direction) and then calculate the vector force. I think the other equaiton you have will just give you a magnitude.
 
thank u so much... that definitely helped...i solved the problem by doing:F=qE F=qvB then (qE)squared +(qvB)squared than i took the square root of that total :)
 

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