# Right hand rule charged particle direction question

1. Oct 16, 2013

### outxbreak

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?

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.

2. Oct 16, 2013

### NihalSh

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.

3. Oct 16, 2013

### outxbreak

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.

4. Oct 16, 2013

### NihalSh

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.