Lorentz Force Law, am i messing up vector algebra?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Lorentz Force Law in a problem involving an electron's motion under the influence of electric and magnetic fields. The original poster presents their calculations and expresses concern about obtaining an incorrect answer for the electric field component.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster shares their calculations and seeks feedback on potential errors in their vector algebra. Some participants question the rounding of values and the use of SI units, while others point out the importance of the charge's sign in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into possible sources of error and clarifying aspects of the problem. There is no explicit consensus on the specific mistakes made, but guidance regarding rounding and charge considerations has been offered.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of using rounded values in calculations and the significance of the electron's negative charge in the context of the Lorentz Force Law.

mr_coffee
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Okay here is my work:
http://show.imagehosting.us/show/891312/0/nouser_891/T0_-1_891312.jpg
and here is my calculations part:
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5539/lastscan7qc.jpg
Problem says:
14. [HRW7 28.P.008.] An electron has an initial velocity of (14.0 j + 21.0 k) km/s and a constant acceleration of (3.50 10^12 m/s2) i in a region in which uniform electric and magnetic fields are present. If B = (400 µT) i, find the electric field E.
V/m i + V/m j + V/m k

I know I'm getting the wrong answer because i tried to submit the i component and it was wrong i got:
19.88i

any ideas where i screwed up?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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I haven't really done the question here, but from the looks of it you have rounded your values incorrectly. Are you using the full calculator value in your calculation though? If so then it doesn't matter, but if you're using rounded values then your answer might just be out by a little. You're using SI units throughout so you definitely have V/m as your final unit.
 
last time I checked, electrons had charge negative (-) e !
 
so u don't use the magntiude of the charge in that equation?
 

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