Find the magnitude of the force on an electron that is travelling with velocity 2 x 10^4 ms^(-1) in the x direction through a uniform magnetic field of strength 2T in the y direction.

This question tells us we only need to consider the magnitude of the force, and since the magnetic field and electron's velocity are perpendicular, we can simply use the equation

F = Bqv.

We have B = 2 Tq = 1.6 x 10-19 (the charge of an electron) and v = 2 x 10ms-1.

Substituting these values into the equation gives 

F = 2 * (1.6  x 10-19 ) * (2 x 104) = 6.4 x 10-15 N   (Remember your units!)

SH

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What velocity should your boat have if you want to cross a 72m wide river in 6s by the shortest distance, with a 5 m/s downstream current?


Why does the Photoelectric Effect lead to the conclusion that classical physics cannot be all of physics?


What is the difference between potential energy and potential?


What is a moment?