Determining the direction of magnetic field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the direction of the magnetic field in the context of problem 8b from the MIT Physics II course. It emphasizes that the magnetic force must counteract gravitational force for an object to reach terminal velocity. The participant clarifies that while they understand the mathematical solution using Newton's second law, they struggle with the conceptual understanding of how to ascertain the direction of the magnetic force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of terminal velocity
  • Basic knowledge of magnetic forces and fields
  • Concepts of force equilibrium in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the right-hand rule for determining magnetic force direction
  • Explore the relationship between magnetic fields and electric currents
  • Learn about the principles of electromagnetism in detail
  • Investigate applications of terminal velocity in different physical contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of magnetic forces and their applications in real-world scenarios.

darksyesider
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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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