Proton moving through magnetic field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a proton moving through a uniform magnetic field, with specific focus on determining the components of its velocity based on the magnetic force experienced. The problem involves vector components and the application of the Lorentz force equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the problem, including the magnetic field and force components. There are attempts to clarify the vector representation of velocity and the magnetic field, as well as the derivation of the force components. Questions arise regarding the handling of the cross product and the relevance of unit vectors.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the cross product and equate terms. There is an acknowledgment of the need for clarity in vector components, and some participants are exploring the implications of their calculations and assumptions.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding unit conversions, specifically converting millitesla to tesla, which may impact the calculations. Additionally, the original poster expresses uncertainty about the relationship between the components of velocity being sought and the equations being used.

mariahkraft
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Homework Statement



A proton moves through a uniform magnetic field given by =(6.97-9.54+35.0) mT. At time t1, the proton has a velocity given by =vx+vy+(1.58 km/s) and the magnetic force on the proton is FB=(4.72 X 10-17N)+(3.45 X 10-17N).

(a) At that instant, what is vx?

(b) At that instant, what is vy?

Homework Equations


F=qV x B

The Attempt at a Solution



So, in order to find the velocity in the x direction I am assuming you do this:
(4.27E-17)i +(3.45E-17)j=e[(vx+vy+1.58k)x(6.97i-9.54j+35k)]

That is really all I have because I can't figure out the cross product. I end up with vx terms in the j direction and I don't know what to do with them. I hope I am making sense. Please let me know if youcan help. THANK YOU!
 
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Could you please clarify your vector velocity and B-field components? And then show how you derived the vector force components? Please label the x, y, and z components explicitly in each equation.
 
they are given in the problem

b= (6.97i-9.54j+35.0k)

and the vector force was not derives as is also given in the equation as: (vx)i+(vy)j+(1.58 km/s)k
 
You have the field and the charge and the initial veloity. You have what you need. What are the relevant equations?
 
You did leave off the i, j, and k unit vectors when describing the problem which left a little to the imagination. But it looks like your equation:

(4.27E-17)i +(3.45E-17)j=e[(vx+vy+1.58k)x(6.97i-9.54j+35k)]

looks correct so far. Could you show us the cross product you ended up getting so we could see if you did something wrong? And getting a vx term in the j direction is alright. Once you have the cross product, you just equate the i-terms on both sides of the equation, and do the same for the j- and k-terms and solve.
 
for the cross product i got:
(35vy+15.07)i+(35vx-11.07)j+(-9.54vx-6.97vy)k

if I do this:
(4.72E-17)=(35vy+15.07) and I solve for vy that is what the velocity in the x directions is? .431? Why am I solving for vy if i am looking for vx?
 
hmm I bet I need to convert the mT to T huh?
 

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