What is the Correct Angle for the Net Magnetic Force?

In summary, a particle with a charge of +2.96 × 10-5 C is moving along the +z axis at a speed of 4.71 × 103 m/s. It experiences a net magnetic force of 9.77x10-3 N, with components of 0.003708 N along the +x axis and 0.009034 N along the -y axis. The angle that the net force makes with respect to the +x axis cannot be determined using the given information. The correct method to determine the angle would be to use the vector product, where the force is perpendicular to both the velocity and magnetic field vectors. This means the force vector will be perpendicular to the plane containing the two
  • #1
lovelyrwwr
48
0
One component of a magnetic field has a magnitude of 0.0266 T and points along the +x axis, while the other component has a magnitude of 0.0648 T and points along the -y axis. A particle carrying a charge of +2.96 × 10-5 C is moving along the +z axis at a speed of 4.71 × 103 m/s. (a) Find the magnitude of the net magnetic force that acts on the particle. (b) Determine the angle that the net force makes with respect to the +x axis.


I got the correct answer for part A, which is simply 9.77x10-3 N.
Fx ~ 0.003708 N
Fy ~ 0.009034 N
F = sqrt(Fx^2 + Fy^2)
F = 9.77x10-3 N

However, I am not getting the correct answer for B.

I thought it was simply:
theta = InverseTangent(Fy/Fx) = 67.68 deg but this wasn't correct.

Then I thought I had to add 90 to get theta = 67.68 + 90 = 157.68 deg since F is perpendicular to both field (B) and velocity (V), but this was not correct either. What am I doing incorrectly? Thank you!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
According to the vector product (hope you know this version) the force on the positive charge
is perpendicular to both the velocity vector and the magnetic field vector:

[itex]\vec{F}[/itex] = q [itex]\vec{v}[/itex] [itex]\times[/itex] [itex]\vec{B}[/itex]

, that is you turn the velocity vector towards the magnetic field vector. The force vector points in the direction in which a righthand screw advances due to this turning. This means [itex]\vec{F}[/itex] will be perpendicular to the plane containing the two vectors [itex]\vec{v}[/itex] and [itex]\vec{B}[/itex]. Or you may know the right-hand rule for determining the direction of [itex]\vec{F}[/itex].
 

FAQ: What is the Correct Angle for the Net Magnetic Force?

What is a simple magnetic field?

A simple magnetic field is a region in space where a magnetic force can be detected. It is created by a magnetic source, such as a magnet, and is characterized by the direction and strength of the magnetic force.

How do you calculate the strength of a simple magnetic field?

The strength of a simple magnetic field can be calculated using the formula B = μ0(I/2πr), where B is the magnetic field strength, μ0 is the permeability of free space, I is the current, and r is the distance from the magnetic source.

What is the difference between a magnetic field and an electric field?

A magnetic field is created by moving electric charges, while an electric field is created by stationary electric charges. Additionally, a magnetic field only exerts a force on moving charged particles, while an electric field can exert a force on both moving and stationary charged particles.

How does a simple magnetic field affect a compass?

A compass is a small magnet that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field. When a compass is brought near a simple magnetic field, the field's direction and strength will cause the compass needle to move and align with the field.

How are simple magnetic fields used in everyday life?

Simple magnetic fields have a wide range of uses in everyday life. They are used in electronic devices such as computers and televisions, in medical imaging equipment like MRI machines, and in transportation systems such as trains and cars.

Similar threads

Back
Top