Question

In the formula F=qv x B where F,v, and B are vectors:

a) F must be perpendicular to v but not necessarily to B
b) F must be perpendicular to B but not necessarily to v
c) v must be perpendicular to B but not necessarily to F
d) all three vectors must be mutually perpendicular
e) F must be perpendicular to both v and B

Answer 1

The formula F=qv x B represents the magnetic force on a charged particle moving through a magnetic field. The magnetic force vector, F, must be perpendicular to both the velocity vector, v, and the magnetic field vector, B.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the formula F=qv x B where F, v, and B are vectors, the correct statement is e) F must be perpendicular to both v and B. Since F is the result of the vector product (also known as the cross product), by the definition of the vector product, F must be perpendicular to both v (velocity of the charge) and B (magnetic field). Additionally, the magnitude of the force is proportional to the charge (q), the magnitude of the velocity (v), the magnitude of the magnetic field (B), and the sine of the angle between v and B.