Calculating Magnetic Force and Acceleration of a Proton

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the magnetic force and acceleration of a proton moving at a speed of 3.00 x 10^6 m/s at a 44° angle in a magnetic field of 0.730 T. The magnetic force is calculated using the formula F = qvB sin(θ), yielding a result of 2.437 E-13 N. Participants debate the appropriate method for determining acceleration in a magnetic field, with suggestions to use F_net = ma, incorporating magnetic force. The right-hand rule is mentioned as a crucial tool for understanding the direction of the force and motion. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of visualizing the motion of charged particles in magnetic fields to solve related problems effectively.
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A proton travels with a speed of 3.00 x 10^6 m/s at an angle of 44.0° with the direction of a magnetic field of 0.730 T in the +y direction.

(a) What are the magnitude of the magnetic force on the proton?
(b) What is its acceleration?

Ok for magnitude of force,

I used F = qvB sinø
= (1.6E-19)(3E6)(.73)sin44
= 2.437 E-13

But I was unable to find an equation for aceleration in a magnetic field in my notes, can anyone help me out?

Thanks
 
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What does the path of the motion look like?
 
lol i have no idea,
but could this be solved just by using Fnet = ma
where Fnet incorporates the magentic force and gravitational force?
 
I doubt you need to include gravitational effects here.
The path of the motion is a hint as to how to find the solution. Any guesses?
 
well i kno initially its moving at the angle of 44˚, but the magnetic field should affect it to move in the positive y direction i think
 
Oh, you need to revisit the right hand rule to determine the direction of the force. This is an important effect for these types of problems.
 
but wouldn't using the RHR in this case introduce the 3rd dimension, because it would be coming out ?
 
?
 
yes, from the cross product.
 
  • #10
so if we know it is coming out, how does it help solve for acceleration?
 
  • #11
So at that point the force is out, does it remain in that direction?
 
  • #12
i assume so
 
  • #13
If the object has a net force acting on it, it will accelerate in that direction. So the velocity changes; remember that the direction of the force is dependent on the direction of the velocity vector, which changes.
 
  • #14
so is there a way/formula to solve for acceleration by knowing this?
 
  • #15
Sorry, if you are looking for me to give you a formula to plug numbers into, I can't help you.
If you understand the motion in your mind's eye, you will recognize the solution (hopefully).
 
  • #16
fyi, i was right,
the equation has to do with fnet = ma
where fnet incorporates magnetic force

so next time if u don't kno wut ur talking about please don't answer a question for sum1... instead of saying ok wut u said might make sense u overcomplicate everything
 
  • #17
My apologies, I was for some reason thinking we were looking for the radius of motion.
My bad :smile:
In my opinion, I do not think that the questions I prompted were useless. I still think you should try to understand the motion of the charged object through the B field. :rolleyes:
 
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