Charged Particle Motion in a Magnetic Field

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnitude of the magnetic field affecting a proton moving through a vertical magnetic field. The initial calculations used an incorrect proton mass of 1.67x10-23 kg instead of the correct value of 1.67x10-27 kg. The formula used for the magnetic field, B = F/(qv), is accurate, but the incorrect mass led to an erroneous force calculation. The correct magnetic field magnitude is derived using the accurate mass, resulting in B = 3.561x10-5 Tesla.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Knowledge of magnetic force equations for charged particles (B = F/(qv))
  • Familiarity with the properties of protons, including mass and charge
  • Basic concepts of motion in magnetic fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the magnetic force equation B = F/(qv)
  • Study the effects of magnetic fields on charged particles in motion
  • Explore the implications of using incorrect constants in physics calculations
  • Learn about the applications of magnetic fields in particle physics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to charged particle motion in magnetic fields.

Quantum_Grid
Messages
63
Reaction score
0

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!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
34
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K