Solving for E and B Fields Using Lorenz Force Equation | Electromagnetics Help"

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields using the Lorenz force equation, given forces experienced by a test charge at different velocities. The problem involves vector components and cross products in the context of electromagnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods for applying the Lorenz force equation to derive E and B fields from given forces. Some participants question the validity of certain steps, particularly regarding the relationships between the vectors involved and the assumptions made about their orientations.

Discussion Status

There is an active exchange of ideas, with participants offering alternative methods and questioning each other's reasoning. Some have suggested different approaches to solving the equations, while others are clarifying their understanding of the relationships between the vectors involved. No consensus has been reached, but several productive lines of inquiry are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific methods or formats for presenting their solutions. There is an emphasis on ensuring the correctness of vector operations and relationships in the context of the Lorenz force equation.

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Finding E and B fields from forces experinced by a test charge with three diferent velocities


F1=qEo(ax-ay+az) for v1=Uo*ax
F2=qEo(ax-ay-az) for v2=Uo*ay
F3=0 for v3=Uo*az

I used Lorenz force equation and by reduce E by subtracting equation 1 from 2 and eq. 3 from 2 I got

Uo(ay-ax) X B = Eo(-2az)
Uo(ay-az) X B = qEo(ax-ay-az)

So

B = C(-2az) X (ax-ay-az) = -C

Then I solved For C and for B. I not sure that I got right to this point. Can someone help me with that problem. Thanks
 
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I don't understand what you have done. What is the reason for doing F1-F2 and so on.

I would have used the equation for lorenz force to 3 individual cases.

F = q( E + v x B)
qE0 ( a, -a, a) = q(Ex, Ey, Ez) + (a U0, 0, 0) X (Bx, By, Bz) ----------(1)

Write similar equations for case 2 and 3.

You have 9 equations to solve for 6 unknowns.
 
Sorry, This is a problem.:
The forces experienced by a test charge q at a point in a region of electric and magnetic fields, respectivlely, are given with three diferent velocities, where Uo and Eo are constants. Find E and B at that point. Use Lorenz force equation.
given:
F1=qEo(ax-ay+az) for v1=Uo*ax
F2=qEo(ax-ay-az) for v2=Uo*ay
F3=0 for v3=Uo*az

From Lorenz force equation I have
qE+q*Uo(ax) X B = qEo(ax-ay+az)
qE+q*Uo(ay) X B = qEo(ax-ay-az)
qE+q*Uo(az) X B = 0

I reduce q and E by subtracting equation 1 from 2 and eq. 3 from 1. I got

Uo(ay-ax) X B = Eo(-2az)
Uo(ax-az) X B = Eo(ax-ay+az)

so if (-2az) and (ax-ay+az) is perpendicular to B then (ay-ax) and (ax-az) is parallel to B so wwe will have

B = C(-2az) X (ax-ay+az) = -C (is this right?)

where C isa proportionality constant. I solved For C and for B. I not sure that I got right to this point. I never did your way so I'm trying the way I know it can be solve. I hope You will understand now better. Thanks
 
(ay-ax) and (ax-az) is parallel to B
This is wrong. If this is the case then (ay-ax) X B = 0 and (ax-az) X B = 0 which are not true.

Any way your idea is right.


B = C(-2az) X (ax-ay+az) = -C (is this right?)

This is wrong. Check again. Right hand side should have x and y. This is a cross product.

When you do this right, subtitute it in your lorentz force equatins. Equating the coefficient of the x, y, z components should give you B, and E.
 
So is this should look like this?

B = C(-2az) X (ax-ay+az) = -C(ax-ay)

Substituding

Uo(ay-ax) X -C(ax-ay) = Eo(-2az)

-UoC(2az) = Eo(-2az)

C = Eo/Uo

Then B = (Eo/Uo)(ax-ay) Is this ok? I really need help with that? Thanks
 
B = C(-2az) X (ax-ay+az) = -C(ax-ay)

B = C(-2az) X (ax-ay+az) = -2 a^2 C(x+y). Since 'a' is a constnat, say

B = D (x+y)

Substituting

Uo(ay-ax) X D(x+y) = Eo(-2az)
Uo a D (-2z) = Eo(-2az)
D = Eo/Uo

Therefore B = Eo/Uo (x+y)

Do similar thing to find E. Don't make mistake when you take the cross product.

I am getting,

E = (aEo, -aEo, 0) or in your notation E = (aEox - aEoy)
 
Last edited:
Thanks for help. I was reading some book and they show another way to do it. From these two equations

Uo(ay-ax) X B = Eo(-2az)
Uo(ax-az) X B = Eo(ax-ay+az)

we can use componets and solve

ax ay az
Uo -1 1 0 = Eo(-2az)
Bx By Bz

Then

Uo[Bz*ax+By*az - Bx*az+Bz*ay] = Eo(-2az)
So:
By-Bx = -Eo/Uo(az) and Bz=0

Then I will do same thing for second equation. Is this right way to do it too? Is there simplers way to do that kind problems? Thanks
 

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