Determining the direction of magnetic field

AI Thread Summary
To determine the direction of the magnetic force in the context of balancing it with gravity, one must apply Newton's second law, which states that the net force equals mass times acceleration. At terminal speed, acceleration is zero, indicating that the magnetic force must equal the gravitational force in magnitude but act in the opposite direction. Understanding this balance conceptually helps clarify the relationship between the forces involved. The magnetic force's direction can be inferred from the orientation of the magnetic field and the velocity of the charged particle. This approach solidifies the understanding of how forces interact in a magnetic field scenario.
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http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-02sc-physics-ii-electricity-and-magnetism-fall-2010/faradays-law-1/faradays-law/MIT8_02SC_challenge_sol21.pdf


In problem 8 b), they say the magnetic force must cancel with gravity. How do you determine which way the magnetic force is?
I don't understand this conceptually, although I get how to solve the problem from there.
 
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The terminal speed is by definition the speed where a=0. Then Newtons 2nd law gives you the net force and the net force tells you that the magnetic force cancels with gravity.
 

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