Right hand rule charged particle direction question

Click For Summary
Two charged particles are moving in circular orbits within a uniform magnetic field directed into the page, and their charges are of equal magnitude but opposite signs. The relationship between mass and radius is established using the formula r=mv/qB, leading to the conclusion that the particle with the larger radius has greater mass. To determine the sign of the charge, the right-hand rule is applied, where the velocity direction is tangential to the circular path and the force is directed towards the center. The direction of the force is crucial, as it must align with the centripetal force required for circular motion. Understanding these principles clarifies how to ascertain the charge's sign based on the force's direction.
outxbreak
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
1. Two charged particles are traveling in circular orbits with the same speed in a region of uniform magnetic field that is directed into the page, as shown. The magnitude of the charge on each particle is identical but the signs of the charges are unequal. Which one of the entries in the table below is correct?
r94jyp.jpg


The correct answer is B

I understand that the m1>m2 just by using the formula:
r=mv/qB where I canceled the v and B and was left with
m=r*q so b.c the m1 radius is bigger it has a larger mass




2. I don't understand how to find the sign of the charge. Using the right hand rule I know that the field is going into the page but where is the velocity going or the force? I can't figure out their directions.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Since both particles are moving on a circular path, there must be centripetal force. This force is given by:
$$\vec{F_{m}}=q(\vec{v}\times\vec{B})$$
here ##q## is inclusive of charge. That means direction of force would also depend on sign of charge. You know the direction of every quantity, the sign of charge which is consistent with the direction of Force would be the required sign. I hope this clears out things!

Edit: direction of force would be towards center (hence the term "centripetal") and direction of velocity is given in the diagram by arrow. Velocity is always tangential to its path and hence to the circle.
 
Hi, I don't understand how to find the direction of force..
I don't know what way to point my fingers for the velocity.
 
outxbreak said:
Hi, I don't understand how to find the direction of force..
I don't know what way to point my fingers for the velocity.
The direction of force is implicitly given, a body cannot move in circular path unless a force towards the center acts on it. You need to revise circle motion to understand why that is.

you can always pick any point on the circle. The direction of velocity is tangent of the circle and it is indicated by arrow in the diagram. Find the direction of cross product. if it points towards the center then ##q## must be positive otherwise it will be negative.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

Replies
34
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K