What Is the Electromagnetic Force on an Electron in Given Fields?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electromagnetic force acting on an electron within specified electric and magnetic fields, given its velocity vector. The subject area pertains to electromagnetism, specifically the interaction of charged particles with electric and magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute the cross product of the velocity vector and the magnetic field but encounters confusion regarding the sign in the calculation. Some participants question the properties of the cross product, particularly the orthogonality of the unit vectors involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the nature of the cross product and its implications for the sign of the result. There appears to be a productive exchange regarding the definitions and properties of vector operations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem as stated, with specific values for the electric and magnetic fields and the electron's velocity. The original poster has shared their working out for further clarification.

Roodles01
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Homework Statement


An electron in an electric field E = 3.0x107 ex NC-1 and a magnetic field B = 3.0 ez T has velocity v = 1.0x107 (2ex - ey) ms-1.

Calculate electromagnetic force on the electron.


Homework Equations


F = q (E + v X B)
where q = e- = -1.6x10-19 C


The Attempt at a Solution


I have attached a working out, but have difficulty with just one aspect.

Whilst working out the matrix vXB I have a negative sign where I think a positive sign should be.
I have attached the working as a pic.
Could someone show me why I am correct or incorrect.
Thank you.
 

Attachments

  • 2008 Q3 snip.JPG
    2008 Q3 snip.JPG
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Ah! Is this to do with ex X ey = -ey?
They're orthogonal?
 
The negative sign comes from the definition of the cross product.
v x B = ex(...) - ey(...) + ez(...)
 
Again, I have to go "Doh!"
Thank you.
 

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