Determining Magnetic Field Direction

Spackle
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Homework Statement


If you were to gain a few electrons and go running in Vancouver, what would be the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force that you would experience?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


So I was able to determine the magnetic force but my only problem is determining the direction. What I think is the magnetic field vector is (17624, 5146, 50990) nT. I got this value from the magnetic field calculator by plugging in the latitude and longitude coordinates. The vector that I am assuming for me is (4, 0, 0). What I attempted to do was using the cross product equation to determine the direction of the magnetic field. What I get when I did the cross product as (-203960j + 20584k) nT. Please tell me if I am on the right track, greatly appreciated.
 
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Spackle said:

Homework Statement


If you were to gain a few electrons and go running in Vancouver, what would be the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force that you would experience?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


So I was able to determine the magnetic force but my only problem is determining the direction. What I think is the magnetic field vector is (17624, 5146, 50990) nT. I got this value from the magnetic field calculator by plugging in the latitude and longitude coordinates. The vector that I am assuming for me is (4, 0, 0). What I attempted to do was using the cross product equation to determine the direction of the magnetic field. What I get when I did the cross product as (-203960j + 20584k) nT. Please tell me if I am on the right track, greatly appreciated.
Is the (4,0,0) a velocity or a current, and in what units?
What dimension should the answer have?
Is the x coordinate EW or NS, or something else? The question does not indicate the direction of run, but I suggest you choose that to maximise the force magnitude.
 
haruspex said:
Is the (4,0,0) a velocity or a current, and in what units?
What dimension should the answer have?
Is the x coordinate EW or NS, or something else? The question does not indicate the direction of run, but I suggest you choose that to maximise the force magnitude.
It is velocity (m/s) and the direction of the run would be in the west direction.
 
Spackle said:
It is velocity (m/s) and the direction of the run would be in the west direction.
You did not quote any relevant equations. You mentioned a cross product equation. What, exactly, does that equation say? Pay attention to what the variables represent.
You did not answer my question about the dimension the answer should have. You quoted units of nT, but you are asked for a force.
 

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