Magnetic field solar wind question

AI Thread Summary
The solar wind consists of charged particles emitted by the sun that interact with Earth's magnetic field. When a charged particle, such as an electron or proton, moves perpendicular to this magnetic field, it experiences a magnetic force that causes it to follow a circular path. To find the radius of this path, the relevant equations involve the magnetic force and centripetal acceleration. The force acting on the particle can be calculated using F=qvB, and the radius can be derived from the relationship |F| = m|V²|/R. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving the problem of the particle's motion in the magnetic field.
johnson.3131
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
The solar wind is a thin, hot gas given off by the sun. Charged particles in this gas enter the magnetic field of the Earth and can experience a magnetic force. Suppose a charged particle traveling with a speed of 8.20 106 m/s encounters the Earth's magnetic field at an altitude where the field has a magnitude of 1.10 10-7 T. Assuming that the particle's velocity is perpendicular to the magnetic field, find the radius of the circular path on which the particle would move if it were each of the following.
(a) an electron


(b) a proton


Relevant Equations:

F=I*L*B

F=qvB

charge electron and proton= +/- 1.6E-19

ATTEMPT: i plugged in the charges into q then then velocity and the magnetic field and got the answer, now I'm confused on how to find the radius.
please help. thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The Force vector is going to be qV X B

The cross product gives you a force perpendicular to it's motion.

If the B field is pointing out of your paper and the Velocity is up, then I get V X B as being a force vector right directed to the motion.
(It's not important that you see this to solve the problem, just that it may be useful to visualize.)

Given that you have found the |F| in the B field, then the curvature should be given by centripetal acceleration shouldn't it?

|F| = m|V2|/R
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top