Given magnetic field, particle charge, and force (vector) Calculate velocity?

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A particle with a charge of -5 nC is subjected to a magnetic field of -1.2 T and experiences a force of -3.6E-7 N in the x-direction and 7.6E-7 N in the y-direction. The relationship between force, charge, and velocity is expressed through the equation F = q(V x B). The user attempts to calculate the x and y components of the particle's velocity using the formulas V_x = -F_y/(q*B) and V_y = -F_x/(q*B), but initially arrives at incorrect values due to a conversion error between nano and micro units. Ultimately, the user realizes that the angle between the velocity and force is 90 degrees, confirming that the velocity component perpendicular to the magnetic field is the focus for calculations. The discussion highlights the importance of unit conversions and understanding vector relationships in magnetic force problems.
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A particle with charge -5 nC is moving in a uniform magnetic field B = -(1.2 T)k. The magnetic force on the particle is measured to be F = -(3.6*10^(-7) N)i + (7.6*10^-7)j. Calculate the x and y components of the particle's velocity.

F = q(V X B)
(force equals charge multiplied by the cross product of V and B)

Calculate the scalar product (dot product) v*F
vx*Fx + vy*Fy + vz*Fz?

What is the angle between v and F (in degrees)?
F = qvB sin theta
theta = arcsin [F/(qvB)]?
 
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Fz is zero, right? So do you need to worry about Vz, or the angle between V and B? Or do you just need to worry about the component of V that is perpendicular to B? (Which would be in the xy plane only).
 
I believe that I just need to worry about the component of V that is perpendicular to B (x and y components of V) since force exists in the x and y directions only.
 
I found equations for each of the x and y components:

V_x = (-F_y)/(q*B)
V_x = -(-7.6E-7)/(-5E-6*-1.20)
V_x = -0.127 m/s

V_y = (-F_x)/(q*B)
V_y = -(-3.6E-7)/(-5E-6*-1.2)
V_y = 0.06 m/s

But those answers aren't right... What am I doing wrong? Are the equations not right? Am I using incorrect values in correct equations? I'm so confused!
 
Kay, nevermind... :rolleyes:
 
Just calculate the cross product q(vxB), assuming a certain variable for each component of the velocity, and equate the result to the force.

Btw, vxF is zero and it doesn't help much.
 
Thanks. I found out my problem. I'm so used to converting micro 10^-6 that when I came across "nano," I used micro's conversion value. :rolleyes:
 
v*F being zero tells you that the angle between them is 90 degrees, so it does actually help
 

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