Calculating Magnetic Force on a Charged Particle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic force exerted on a charged particle with mass M=2x10-25 kg, charge Q=8e, and velocity vector v=1.0x105 m/s j in a magnetic field of strength B=2.5 T at an angle of α=70 degrees to the x-axis. The formula used for the calculation is F=|q|vB sin θ. The initial calculation yielded a force of 3 x 10-13 N, while the correct answer is 1.1 x 10-13 N, indicating a misunderstanding of the angle θ in relation to the velocity vector and magnetic field direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic force equations, specifically F=|q|vB sin θ
  • Knowledge of vector components in physics
  • Familiarity with the concept of magnetic fields and their orientation
  • Basic skills in trigonometry, particularly sine functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Review vector decomposition in magnetic fields
  • Study the effects of angle θ on magnetic force calculations
  • Learn about the right-hand rule for determining force direction
  • Explore advanced topics in electromagnetism, such as Lorentz force
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators looking for examples of magnetic force calculations.

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Homework Statement



A particle of mass M=2x10-25 kg, charge Q=8e, and velocity vector v=1.0x105 m/s j enters a uniform magnetic field of strength B=2.5 T. The magnetic firld vector B lies in the x-y plane at an angle of [tex]\alpha =70[/tex] degrees to the x-axis.

What is the magnitude of this initial force exerted on the particle.

Homework Equations



[tex]F=|q|vB sin \theta[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I used the above formula and got:

8(1.6 x 10-19) x 105 x 2.5 sin 70 =3 x 10-13

But the correct answer must be 1.1 x 10-13. What's the problem? I used the correct equation for magnitude of the magnetic force on a charged particle moving in a magnetic field, so why am I getting the wrong answer?
 
Last edited:
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The angle must between what and what ?

Draw on piece of paper, the force lines and the v vector.

You can't expect the numbers to be always ready to be plugged in :(
Referred in general, not only you.
 

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