Question

The magnetic field at the equator points north. If you throw a positively charged object (for example, a baseball with some electrons removed) to the east, what is the direction of the magnetic force on the object? 1. Toward the east 2. Upward 3. Toward the west 4. Downward

Answer 1

The magnetic force points in the positive z-direction, which corresponds to the upward direction.

Option 2 is correct, the force points in the upwards direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The magnetic force on any charge is given as the cross product of qv and B

F = qv × B

where q = charge on the ball thrown = +q (Since it is positively charged)

v = velocity of the charged ball = (+vî) (velocity is in the eastern direction)

B = Magnetic field = (+Bj) (Magnetic field is in the northern direction; pointing forward)

F = qv × B = (+qvî) × (Bj)

F =

| î j k |

| qv 0 0|

| 0 B 0

F = i(0 - 0) - j(0 - 0) + k(qvB - 0)

F = (qvB)k N

The force is in the z-direction.

We could also use the right hand rule; if we point the index finger east (direction of the velocity), the middle finger northwards (direction of the magnetic field), the thumb points in the upward direction (direction of the magnetic force). Hence, the magnetic force is acting upwards, in the positive z-direction too.

Hope this Helps!!!