How Many Teslas Are Needed to Deflect Cosmic Rays at Near Light Speed?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic field strength in teslas required to deflect cosmic rays traveling at 99% the speed of light using the Lorentz force equation. The user attempts to derive the formula by substituting force with mass times acceleration and simplifying the equation by eliminating variables not applicable to the scenario. The conclusion drawn is that an extremely high magnetic field strength is necessary, indicating that the initial calculations may be flawed due to the unrealistic expectations of deflection over short distances.

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  • Understanding of the Lorentz force equation
  • Basic knowledge of physics concepts such as mass, acceleration, and charge
  • Familiarity with relativistic speeds and their implications
  • Knowledge of magnetic field strength measurement in teslas
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  • Research the Lorentz force in detail, focusing on its application to high-speed particles
  • Explore the physics of cosmic rays and their interactions with magnetic fields
  • Investigate methods for calculating magnetic field strengths required for particle deflection
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Physicists, astrophysicists, and students studying particle physics or magnetohydrodynamics who are interested in the behavior of cosmic rays and magnetic fields.

scienceman111
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I am trying to calculate the strength of the magnetic field ( in teslas ) that would be needed to deflect cosmic rays going about 99% the speed of light.

using the lorents force

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorentz_force


I replaced force with mass times acceleration

I canceled the cross product because for this case pretend that the cosmic ray hits the magnetic field perpendicularly(eliminating the cross product)

the variable E is also canceled because I am not applying an electric force

so I end up with B= (mass times acceleration) divided by (the charge in coloumbs times the velocity (99% the speed of light))

but correct me if I am wrong. I have the acceleration of cosmic rays to be 10,000 m/s squared until it reaches its maximum speed

but because I am dividing by the spped of light(almost)

I end up with a (insert a huge decimal number here) Teslas

which must be incorrect because it would take many teslas to deflect cosmioc rays


PLEASE CORRECT ME

Thanks.
 
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By how much are you trying to deflect them?
Because cosmic rays can travel a LONG way in your average magnetic field without being significantly reflected. So if you are trying to change their direction a large amount in a short distance, then yes you should be expecting a very large magnetic field to be required.
 

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