What Force Does a Charged Particle Experience in a Magnetic Field?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the forces experienced by a charged particle moving in a magnetic field, specifically focusing on the relationship between the velocity of the particle and the magnetic field. Participants are examining the implications of the right-hand rule and the nature of the force in relation to the vectors involved.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are analyzing the options provided for the force's direction, questioning the correctness of their initial choices, and discussing the implications of the cross product in this context. There is a focus on understanding why certain options may or may not be correct based on the physical principles involved.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the wording of the options and the correctness of their interpretations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of the cross product and its relevance to the problem, but no consensus has been reached on the correct answer.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern about the accuracy of the problem statement and the answer choices, which may affect the participants' understanding and reasoning. The right-hand rule is referenced as a necessary tool for solving the problem, indicating a reliance on established physics principles.

goomer
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Homework Statement



A charged particle traveling with a velocity v in a magnetic field B experiences a force F that must be:

A. parallel to v
B. perpendicular to only v
C. parallel to v-B
D. parallel to B
E. perpendicular to v x B


Homework Equations



Requires this right hand rule, I believe:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Right_Hand_Rule_vBF2.PNG

The Attempt at a Solution



Looking at the diagram, I'd say that the force should be perpendicular to both the force and the velocity and I had originally picked E. E is not correct, so would the right answer be B? But that would mean that force is not perpendicular to v and it very clearly is...
 
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goomer said:

Homework Statement



A charged particle traveling with a velocity v in a magnetic field B experiences a force F that must be:

A. parallel to v
B. perpendicular to only v
C. parallel to v-B
D. parallel to B
E. perpendicular to v x B


Homework Equations



Requires this right hand rule, I believe:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Right_Hand_Rule_vBF2.PNG

The Attempt at a Solution



Looking at the diagram, I'd say that the force should be perpendicular to both the force and the velocity and I had originally picked E. E is not correct, so would the right answer be B? But that would mean that force is not perpendicular to v and it very clearly is...
Are you sure you copied down the problem correctly? Including the choices? The answer isn't E, but it's not quite any of the other others either, as they're presently written.
 
goomer, can you check the wording of C ?
 
tiny-tim said:
goomer, can you check the wording of C ?

Oh sorry! C should be "Parallel to vxB".

I assume is C is the right answer then? If so, why?
 
goomer said:
Looking at the diagram, I'd say that the force should be perpendicular to both the [field] and the velocity …

from the pf library …
The cross product of two vectors [itex]\mathbf{A}[/itex] and [itex]\mathbf{B}[/itex] is a third vector (strictly, a pseudovector or axial vector) [itex]\mathbf{A}\times\mathbf{B}[/itex] perpendicular to both of the original vectors … :wink:​
 

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