Magnetic force, finding angle between velocity and magnetic field

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the angle between the velocity of a charged particle and a magnetic field. A charge of 3 microcoulombs moving at 10 m/s in a magnetic field defined by B = 0.3i - 0.4j experiences a magnetic force of 2 x 10^-6 Newtons. The angle calculated for part a is 7.66 degrees, while for part b, when the charge moves along the +z direction, the magnetic force is 15 x 10^-6 Newtons at an angle of 36.9 degrees. The correct approach involves using the equation F = q(v x B) to find the angle.

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  • Understanding of electromagnetic force equations, specifically F = qE + qv x B
  • Knowledge of vector cross products in physics
  • Familiarity with the concept of magnetic fields and their components
  • Ability to perform trigonometric calculations, particularly inverse sine
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  • Study the derivation and application of the Lorentz force law in electromagnetic theory
  • Learn about vector components and their impact on magnetic field interactions
  • Explore the implications of changing charge velocity directions on magnetic forces
  • Investigate the relationship between electric fields and magnetic fields in charged particle dynamics
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Homework Statement



a 3 microcoulomb charge having a speed of 10m/s is fired into a region of constant magnetic field where B is given by:

B = 0.3i - 0.4j

a) the magnitude force on the charge is found to be 2*10^-6 Newtons. what is the angle between v and B?

b) if the direction of v is changed so that the charge moves along the +z direction at a speed of 10m/s, what would be the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force in this case?i am supposed to get 7.66 degrees for part a, and 15*10^-6 Newtons at 36.9 degrees for part b

Homework Equations



radius r = mv/qB where m is mass, v is velocity, q is charge, B is magnetic field

electromagnetic force, F = qE + qv X B where X indicates cross product, E is electric field

The Attempt at a Solution



part a:

using F = qE + qv X B ----> find theta
F = qE + qv X B
2*10^-6 = (3*10^-6E) + ((3*10^-6)(10)(0.3i - 0.4j)sin(theta))
sin(theta) = 2*10^-6 - 3*10^-6E/((3*10^-6)(10)(0.3i - 0.4j))
theta = inverse sin((2*10^-6 - 3*10^-6E)/(9*10^-6i - 1.2*10^-5j)) holding electric field E constant

is this the correct approach to find theta?

i haven't started part b yet, but i am assuming theta changes to (theta from part a + 90 degrees) and i just substitute that new theta into the electromagnetic force equation to solve for force.

is my approach for part a, correct? how about part b? or am i using the wrong equation?

i am supposed to get 7.66 degrees for part a, and 15*10^-6 Newtons at 36.9 degrees for part b

any help appreciated
 
Last edited:
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hint: the magitude of v is already given, you have to calculate the magnitude of B then find theta by:
F = q(v X B) = q|v||B|sin(theta)

hope this helps

fizikx
 
While your general statement of the force on an electric charge is correct, there is no electric field implied in this problem. You can just set E = 0.
 
oh you a right, that equation was right in front of me, must've forgotten.

F = qvB sin(theta) --> find theta
2*10^-6 = (3*10^-6)(10)(0.3i -0.4j) sin(theta)
sin(theta) = (2*10^-6)/(9*10^-6i - 1.2*10^-5j)
theta = inverse sine [(2*10^-6)/(9*10^-6i - 1.2*10^-5j)]
theta = inverse sine[(2*10^-6)/(-3*10^-6)]
theta = inverse sine(-0.667)
theta = -41.83 degrees

i must've done something wrong with the denominator in terms or i and j. i am supposed to get 7.66 degrees. what do i need to fix?

as for part b, how will the fact the charge moves along the +z axis, affect the components of the given magnetic field B?
 
The magnetic field B = 0.3i - 0.4j. Its magnitude is [(0.3)^2 + (0.4)^2]^1/2 = 0.5 T
Using this find the angle.
 

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