Determining Electric Charge of a Bullet in Earth's Magnetic Field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric charge of a bullet fired in Earth's magnetic field, which has a magnitude of 5.30e-5 T directed north at a 57° angle below the horizontal. The bullet, moving at a speed of 681 m/s and at an angle of 11° above the horizontal, experiences a magnetic force of 2.90e-10 N directed due east. The formula used for the calculation is q = f / (vBsin(theta)), leading to a calculated charge of -9e-9 C. The participant expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their answer, suspecting a mistake in their approach.

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  • Understanding of magnetic fields and forces
  • Familiarity with the right-hand rule for determining force direction
  • Knowledge of vector components in physics
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cclement524
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1. Homework Statement
In a certain region, the Earth's magnetic field has a magnitude of 5.30e-5 T and is directed north at an angle of 57° below the horizontal. An electrically charged bullet is fired north and 11° above the horizontal, with a speed of 681 m/s. The magnetic force on the bullet is 2.90e-10 N, directed due east. Determine the bullet's electric charge, including its algebraic sign (+ or −).





2. Homework Equations

q = f / vBsin(theta)

3. The Attempt at a Solution

q = 2.90e-10 N / (681)(5.30e-5)(sin 11+57)

-9e-9

My answer is negative according to the right hand rule.

I'm wrong, but I don't know where I went wrong. If you could help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!
 
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Even I think its negative. The book's answer seems wrong.
 

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