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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the magnetic force acting on charged particles, specifically an electron and a proton, as they move through a uniform magnetic field. The participants are examining the application of the Lorentz force equation and the implications of vector components in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the correct application of the Lorentz force equation and questioning the signs used in the calculations. There is a focus on understanding the vector nature of the force and the implications of the cross product.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning the correctness of the signs in the force equation. Some have suggested using the vector form of the Lorentz force to clarify the calculations. There is a recognition of differing interpretations regarding the signs and components involved in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a discrepancy between the participant's calculations and a reference from a school book, indicating potential confusion regarding the application of the magnetic field's direction and its representation in the equations.

SHOORY
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<Moderator's note: Moved from a technical forum and thus no template.>

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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