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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a charged particle moving in a uniform magnetic field, with the goal of calculating the particle's velocity components based on the given magnetic force and charge. The subject area includes electromagnetism and vector analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between force, charge, velocity, and magnetic field, specifically using the equation F = q(V x B). There are questions about the relevance of the z-component of velocity and the angle between velocity and force. Some participants explore the need to focus on the components of velocity that are perpendicular to the magnetic field.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the correctness of their approaches. Some have identified potential errors in their understanding of units and conversions, while others suggest alternative methods for calculating the velocity components.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of confusion regarding unit conversions, specifically between nano and micro, which may affect the calculations. Participants are also considering the implications of the force being zero in the z-direction.

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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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