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

AI Thread Summary
A charged particle moving in a magnetic field experiences a force that is perpendicular to both its velocity and the magnetic field. The correct answer to the problem is that the force is parallel to the cross product of the velocity and the magnetic field (v x B). Initial confusion arose from misinterpretation of the answer choices, particularly regarding option E, which was ruled out. The right-hand rule is essential for determining the direction of the force. Understanding the relationship between the vectors involved clarifies the nature of the force experienced by the charged particle.
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 \mathbf{A} and \mathbf{B} is a third vector (strictly, a pseudovector or axial vector) \mathbf{A}\times\mathbf{B} perpendicular to both of the original vectors … :wink:​
 

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