Force and the Cross Product
F = q v x B
Rotate the first vector ( v ) into the second vector ( B ) with the fingers of your right hand. Your thumb then gives the direction of the cross product, v x B.
In a region where the magnetic field is B = 10 - 3 T (teslas), a proton (with q = e = 1.6 x 10 - 19 C) moves with a velocity of 1.2 x 109 m/s at an angle of 30o to the magnetic field.
What is the magnetic force on the proton?
(c) Doug Davis, 2003; all rights reserved
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