Charged Particle Motion in a Magnetic Field

AI Thread Summary
A proton is moving through a vertical magnetic field with a horizontal velocity of 8.5x10^5 m/s and an acceleration of 2.90x10^5 m/s² directed west. The magnetic force required to produce this acceleration was calculated using Newton's second law, resulting in a force of 4.843x10^-18 N. The magnetic field strength was initially calculated using the formula B = F/(qv), but the mass of the proton was incorrectly stated as 1.67x10^-23 kg instead of the correct value of 1.67x10^-27 kg. This error led to an incorrect calculation of the magnetic field strength. The discussion highlights the importance of accurate constants in physics calculations.
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Homework Statement


A proton is moving through a vertical magnetic field. The (instantaneous) velocity of the proton is 8.5x105m/s horizontally in the north direction. The (instantaneous) acceleration produced by the magnetic force is 2.90x105m/s2 in the west direction. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field?

Homework Equations


Proton Mass = 1.67x10-23 kg
Proton Charge = +e = 1.60x10-19 C
B = F/(qv) (I think!)

The Attempt at a Solution


Okay, this seems like it should be simple, but the online homework keeps saying I am wrong, so obviously I am skipping something here. First, applying Newton's second law, I found the force, F, required of the Magnetic Force to produce the acceleration (F=ma = (1.67x10-23 kg x 2.90x105 m/s2 = 4.843x10-18 N). Then, all I need to do is put this force in the equation for a charged particle in motion in a magnetic field, which I think is B=F/(qv), so I should get, B = (4.843x10-18 N)/[(1.60x10-19 C)(8.5x105m/s), which gives me B = 3.561x10-5 Tesla.

But apparently that is wrong. Am I missing something small, like a number, or do I have the wrong equation?

Thanks!
 
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You have the proton mass wrong. The mass is 1.67E-27 kg.
 
Ah, thanks! Indeed I do.

And that was off of an equation/constant sheet my professor gave me!

Thanks again, I knew it was something like that.
 
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