Cross Product of Antiparallel Vectors: qvXb Maybe Not?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the magnetic force acting on a positive charge moving in the -z direction within a magnetic field of magnitude in the +z direction. The formula for magnetic force, F = qv × B, is correctly identified but misapplied due to the antiparallel nature of the velocity and magnetic field vectors. The participants emphasize that the cross product only yields the expected result when the vectors are orthogonal, highlighting the importance of understanding vector relationships in physics.

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SoulofLoneWlf
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qvxb maybe not??

Homework Statement


consider the example of a positive charge moving in the -z direction with speed with the local magnetic field of magnitude in the +z direction. Find , the magnitude of the magnetic force acting on the particle.
Express your answer in terms of , , , and other quantities given in the problem statement.


Homework Equations




f=qvXb yet this does not work ;/
This would be true if and were orthogonal. Instead, they are antiparallel--look back at the definition of the cross product if you still have trouble.

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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SoulofLoneWlf said:
f=qvXb yet this does not work ;/
This would be true if and were orthogonal.
\vec{F} = q\vec{v}\times \vec{B}

works just fine, but that only equals qvB when v and B are orthogonal.
Instead, they are antiparallel--look back at the definition of the cross product if you still have trouble.
Sounds like good advice to me.
 


Doc Al said:
\vec{F} = q\vec{v}\times \vec{B}

works just fine, but that only equals qvB when v and B are orthogonal.

Sounds like good advice to me.

thank these things just confuse me at time :) lol easy to study for hard to do some how :/
 

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