Question

The strength of the Earth’s magnetic field B at the equator is approximately equal to 5 × 10−5 T. The force on a charge q moving in a direction perpendicular to a magnetic field is given by F = q v B, where v is the speed of the particle. The direction of the force is given by the right-hand rule. Suppose you rub a balloon in your hair and your head acquires a static charge of 6 × 10−9 C. If you are at the equator and driving west at a speed of 80 m/s, what is the strength of the magnetic force on your head due to the Earth’s magnetic field? Answer in units of N.

Answer 1

`2.4\cdot 10^(-11) N`

Step-by-step explanation:

Since the Earth's magnetic field is perpendicular to your direction of motion, the strength of the magnetic force exerted on your head is given by:

`F=qvB`

where:

`q=6\cdot 10^(-9)C` is the charge on your head

`v=80 m/s` is the speed at which you are moving

`B=5\cdot 10^(-5) T` is the strength of the magnetic field of the Earth

By substituting these numbers into the equation, we find the strength of the magnetic force:

`F=(6\cdot 10^(-9)C)(80 m/s)(5\cdot 10^(-5) T)=2.4\cdot 10^(-11) N`