Magnetic field vector using F = qV * B

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic field vector B using the equation F = qV × B, where F = (3i + j + 2k) N, V = (-i + 3j) * 10^6 m/s, and q = -2 * 10^-6 C. Participants emphasize the importance of resolving the vector equation into its components, leading to the conclusion that B = (j - 0.5k) T. The correct interpretation of the cross product and the significance of the zero x-component of B are also highlighted as critical for solving the problem accurately.

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happyparticle
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Homework Statement
Magnetic field
Relevant Equations
F = qV * B.
Hi,
I'm trying to find the magnetic field B using F = qV * B.
I have F = (3i + j + 2k) N
V = (-i +3j) * 10^6 m/s
q = -2 *10^6 C
Bx = 0

I don't know how to resolve a 3 dimensional vector equation.
B = F/qV makes not sense for me.
 
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Work with the components of F. That is, write out individual equations for Fx, Fy, and Fz.

Is the factor of 106 correct for q? That's a LOT of charge :wideeyed:
 
TSny said:
Work with the components of F. That is, write out individual equations for Fx, Fy, and Fz.

Is the factor of 106 correct for q? That's a LOT of charge :wideeyed:
10^-6, my bad.
 
qV = (2i -6j)

(2i -6j) * B = (3i + j + 2k)I tried something, but I don't if it is the right way.

2 0 = 3
-6 j = 1
0 k = 2
then,
-6k = 3
-2k = 1
2j = 2

k =-0.5 and j = 1
B = `(j - 0.5k) T
 
I agree with your final result, but I can't follow your work.

For example, you wrote:
EpselonZero said:
2 0 = 3
-6 j = 1
0 k = 2

On the left of the first equation, you wrote 2 0. What does this mean?

On the left of the second equation, you wrote - 6 j. Is this -6 multiplied by the unit vector j? How can that equal the right hand side, which is equal to 1?
 
It's quite impossible to type it. Basically, it's like a matrix 2i 0i | 3
-6i j | 1
0i k| 2
 
EpselonZero said:
It's quite impossible to type it. Basically, it's like a matrix 2i 0i | 3
-6i j | 1
0i k| 2
I still can't follow this. You got the correct answer, so I think you are probably thinking about it correctly. I just can't follow the way you are writing it.

I was suggesting that you write an equation for just the x-component of the vector equation ##\vec F = q \vec v \times \vec B##.

Thus,

Fx = ...

where the right-hand side would be expressed in terms of q and certain components of v and B.
 
I'm not sure to understand. Fx = 3i
3i = 2i ?
 
EpselonZero said:
I'm not sure to understand. Fx = 3i
3i = 2i ?
When you take the cross product of two vectors, ##\vec b \times \vec c##, the x-component of the cross product is

##(\vec b \times \vec c )_x = b_yc_z -b_zc_y##.

Similarly for the y and z components. See here. This pattern is worth memorizing!

Use this to write out the x-component of the vector equation ##\vec F = q \vec V \times \vec B##. That is, write out the right-hand side of

##F_x = q (\vec V \times \vec B)_x##
 
  • #10
You cannot solve for ##\vec B## from the magnetic force equation unless you know the force for more than one velocity. The cross product contains information only about the components of ##\vec B## that are perpendicular to ##\vec v##. However, you have additional information as you know that ##B_x = 0##.

a) What does this tell you about ##\vec B##?
b) what do you then get if you take the inner product of ##\vec F## and ##\vec B##?
 

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