Angle between proton velocity and B-field

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between the angle of proton velocity and the magnetic field (B-field). It clarifies that both angles involved in the problem are supplementary, meaning they add up to 180 degrees. Either angle can be used if only the magnitude of the cross product is needed. The participants confirm the correctness of using either angle in this context. The conversation emphasizes the simplicity of the solution while addressing potential confusion.
member 731016
Homework Statement
Please see below
Relevant Equations
F = qV x B
For this problem,
1670900377412.png

The solution is,
1670900463532.png

However, this may seem like a silly question, but do we need both angles?

Many thanks!
 

Attachments

  • 1670900366744.png
    1670900366744.png
    8.9 KB · Views: 130
Physics news on Phys.org
The two angles are supplementary. Either one is correct if you only have the magnitude of the cross product.
 
  • Like
Likes member 731016
kuruman said:
The two angles are supplementary. Either one is correct if you only have the magnitude of the cross product.
Thank you @kuruman !
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
997
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
841
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K