What is the Correct Way to Calculate Magnetic Force on an Electron or Proton?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the magnetic force on an electron and a proton moving through a uniform magnetic field. The initial calculation using the equation F=q(vx By + vy Bx) led to confusion regarding the sign of By, resulting in an incorrect answer. Clarification was provided that the correct approach involves using the vector form of the Lorentz Force equation, which incorporates the cross product of velocity and magnetic field vectors. This method resolves the sign issues and accurately calculates the total force. The participant acknowledged their misunderstanding and expressed gratitude for the correction.
SHOORY
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So there was this question
An electron that has velocity (2*10^6 i +3*10^6 j)m/s
moves through the uniform magnetic field (0.03 i - 0.15 j) T
(a) Find the force on the electron due to the magnetic field. (b) Repeat your calculation for a proton having the same velocity.
so I used this equation
F=q(vx By + vy Bx)
By is negative so I put negative and the answer was -3.364*10^-14
but the correct answer is 6.2*10^-14 and we gut it when we use By positive
Why do we have to use it positive although it is in the negative direction?
 
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SHOORY said:
so I used this equation
F=q(vx By + vy Bx)
check that + sign...
 
BvU said:
check that + sign...
i am sure of it its from my school book
 
SHOORY said:
F=q(vx By + vy Bx)
Are you familiar with the vector form of the Lorentz Force equation? That would make the signs, etc., easier to see.
 
That + sign is wrong, irrespective of what book it is from.
 
Chandra Prayaga said:
That + sign is wrong, irrespective of what book it is from.
why is it wrong
do you know what it means
it means the total force
 
SHOORY said:
why is it wrong
do you know what it means
it means the total force
The total force is: ##\vec F~=~q(\vec {v}~X~\vec B)##
The cross product of ##\vec v## and ##\vec B## means that the force components are:
Fx = q(vyBz - vzBy)
Fy = q(vzBx - vxBz)
Fz = q(vxBy - vyBx)
The negative signs do not mean that you are subtracting forces. They are part of the rule for calculating the cross product of two vectors. With the negative signs present, it gives the total force.
 
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Chandra Prayaga said:
The total force is: ##\vec F~=~q(\vec {v}~X~\vec B)##
The cross product of ##\vec v## and ##\vec B## means that the force components are:
Fx = q(vyBz - vzBy)
Fy = q(vzBx - vxBz)
Fz = q(vxBy - vyBx)
The negative signs do not mean that you are subtracting forces. They are part of the rule for calculating the cross product of two vectors. With the negative signs present, it gives the total force.
Oh my god i was wrong all along thank you
 
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