UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS OF GUATEMALA

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
– Inga. Claudia Contreras

- STUDY MATERIAL No.7 –

MAGNETIC FORCE
1. Determine the magnitude (in N) and direction of the force on an electron traveling at 9.50 × 10 6 North
m/s horizontally to the west and in a magnetic field directed inward from the page ( ⊗ B ) and West This
It has a magnitude of 1.75 T.
a) 1.05 × 10 b) 1.05 × 10 c) 2.66 × 10 South d) 2.66 × 10 e) NEC
13
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North -
South - 12 - 12
North

Solution : The force experienced by a particle in a region where a magnetic field exists is given by:
F = q^p ×B
The magnitude of the force is then:
F = ( 1.6 × 10 -19)( 9.5 × 10 6)( 1.75 )sin( 90° ) = 2.66 × 10 -12N
Because it is a negatively charged particle, the direction of the force will be the opposite of that indicated by the cross
product between the velocity and the magnetic field. The cross product between velocity and field points south, so the
magnetic force on the electron is north.
F = 2.66 × 10 12N in direction n #r$e

2. Referring to the previous problem. If now the electron enters a region where there is an electric field E of 10.15
N/C, perpendicular to each other with the speed, what magnitude of speed (in m/s) must the electron have so that
it does not deviate from its trajectory ?

a) 5.80 b) 0.1724 c) 17.24 d) 0.058 e) 17.76

Solution : If you want the electron not to deviate from its path, it must experience an electric force of the same
magnitude as the magnetic force but in the opposite direction.
F%=F&
q'=qvBsin^90° )
' 10.15
VB 1.75 yes
3. An electron has a speed directed towards the North, and enters a region where there is a magnetic North
field B , perpendicular to its speed. The electron curves towards the East. The direction of the
West This
magnetic field B is:

a) Towards the east c) Towards the west d) Entering the e) Lack of information
b) Exiting the page page
Solution : The direction of the force experienced by the electron is the opposite to that indicated by the cross product,
since it is a negative particle. Therefore if the electron curves toward the east, the direction of the cross product
between the velocity and the field must point toward the west. In order to obtain a result of the cross product pointing
towards the west, and considering that the velocity is towards the north, the field must point when entering the page.

4. In an experiment a beam of electrons is accelerated from rest by a potential difference of 480MV. The beam enters
perpendicularly into a region where a magnetic field exists and the radius of the beam is found to be 25 cm.
What is the period of movement of the electrons (in ns)?

a) 0.12 b) 121.0 c) 0.0768 d) 1.30 e) NEC

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UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS OF GUATEMALA
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
– Inga. Claudia Contreras

Solution : First we will calculate the speed at which the electrons leave the applied potential difference of 480MV
and taking into account that they start from rest, we apply the energy conservation theorem:

+,+.,=+/+./
q 01 , - 1 / 3 =1 2 ) 4v / 2
We solve for the speed and substitute values (it is important that you consider the negative charge of the electron and
the potential difference 1 , - 1 / will give a negative result, since the point where the electrons start from rest for them
to accelerate must be at a lower potential than the point where they exit the accelerator):

,/ =
5 2 a(V,~V,)_ 5, 2(-1
. ×
e- --400%
2< =>?

2<B
-
/
= 1.299 × 10 1 < )/ s
:; v (9 .1×1 < =C>
- ■ '
I a) 0.30 ] b) 0.0631 ] c) 87.13 ] d) 63.12 ] e) NEC
Now, when the electrons enter the region where there is a magnetic field, the force that acts on them is the magnetic
force and by entering perpendicular to the field they describe a circular path in such a way that, to calculate the period
of the movement, we use the equations of circular motion, taking into account that we already obtained the tangential
velocity.
Hence:
2E 2E
D= →F=
F.D.
Where D = V/H , then: 2EH 2E(0.25)
m
F=
V = 1.299 × 10 1 < =1.2×101 < s
5. Referring to the previous problem, what is the value of the magnetic field at T?
Solution : When electrons enter the region where there is a magnetic field, the force that acts on them is magnetic and
by entering perpendicular to the field they describe a circular path in such a way that:
F & = )I
V2
qvBsin^ 90- =)
h

Solving for the magnitude of the magnetic field and substituting values:
:J _ (9 . 1 × 1 < =C>
)(1 . 299 × 1 < >L )
. —n-g
B— — ,. — 0.296 T
6K (1.6×1<=>?
)(<.2M)

In the previous equation we only take the magnitude of the electron charge since its sign is considered if we had to
calculate the direction of the force that acts on them.

6. A -4C charge moves at a speed of v = (3 i ˆ - 4ˆ j + 0 k ˆ ) m/s and enters a region of magnetic field B = (2 i ˆ - R

0ˆ j + 0 k ˆ ) T. The magnitude (in N) and direction of the magnetic force on the charge is:

] b) 32 (+k) ] c) 32 (-k) ] d) 24 (-k) ] e) 40 (i+j)

1 a) 24 (+k)

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UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS OF GUATEMALA
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
– Inga. Claudia Contreras

Solution : The magnetic force will be given by the cross product between the speed and the magnetic field and its
direction will be the opposite of the result of the cross product because it is a negatively charged particle.
F
&
=
q7 × B

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UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS OF GUATEMALA
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
– Inga. Claudia Contreras

F& =
q N 3i - 4$)x21=q (-4 V ȷ̂ × 2ı̂)= qN- V 80-UV3O=q 08U V 3
F &=(4 )( 8) 0-U V
3 = 32 N 0-UV3

Remember that the sign of the charge is used to determine the direction of the force, which in this case because it is a
negative charge is the opposite of what the cross product indicates, so when we substitute values, we only take the
magnitude of the charge .

7. Determine in which (or which) of the diagrams B.B.

shown, the initial direction of deflection of the

indicated particle is out of the plane of the paper ʘ ,
when it enters the magnetic field B , as shown in the
figure.

a) in A and B b) in A c) in B and d) in D e) in C
(TO) (b) (C) (D)
D

Solution : The initial deflection of the particle upon entering the field is the same as that of the Magnetic Force acting
on the particle.
When it is a positive particle, the direction of the force is the result of the cross product between the velocity and the
force. If it is a negative particle, it is the opposite of the direction resulting from the cross product between velocity
and force.
Based on the above, for diagram (A), the positive particle experiences a force inwards from the page. For diagram
(B), the positive particle experiences a force toward ↑ . For diagram (C), the negative particle experiences a force
outward from the page ʘ and finally in diagram (D), the positive particle experiences no magnetic force, since the
velocity and field are antiparallel.

8. Referring to the previous problem, in which diagram does the particle not deviate from its path?
a) in A and BI b) in A c) in B and DI d) in D ~le) in C

Solution : See Solution to problem 7.

9. The potential difference between two points is 100V. What kinetic energy (in J) is necessary to transport 2C from
one of these points to the other point?
a) 200 1 b) 100 ~lc) 50 ~ld) 0.05 ] e) 2

Solution : We will solve this problem using the Conservation of Energy Theorem, for a particle that is accelerated by
a potential difference:
+, + ., = +/ + ./
We are interested in finding the difference in kinetic energy for which:
+,-+/=./-.,
q 01 , - 1 / 3 = ∆.
(+2)(100) = ∆.
∆. = 200Z
Unlike other equations in which the sign of the charge should not be included in the equations and we only use it to
calculate the direction of the fields or forces. In the energy conservation equation we do take its sign. Note that for a
positive particle to accelerate it must start from a point that is at a higher potential than the final point where it is
already accelerated.

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UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS OF GUATEMALA
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
– Inga. Claudia Contreras

10. A particle of charge q=5 mC and mass = 6mg moves in a circular path of radius 3.50 m in a magnetic field
B=1.2 T. The period of revolution (in ms) is:
I a) 3.17 ] b) 8.26 ] c) 3.35 ] d) 6.28 ] e) 0.16

Solution : From the information in the problem we can infer that the only force that acts on the particle is the
magnetic one and that the speed is perpendicular to the magnetic field. So that:
F & = )I
2
V2
qvBsen( 90) =)
h
qB H
Solving for the velocity and substituting V = (5×103)(1.2)(3.5)
values:
----------- ■ = enc )
) ------------------ --------= 3500m/s
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The movement period is: 6×10
2E 2E
D= → F=
Where D = V /H , then: FD
2EH 2E (3.5)
F= = 6.28 X 10-3 s
V = 3500
11. Referring to the previous problem, the potential difference (in kV) through which the particle must have
been accelerated to acquire that energy is:

I a) 0.12 ] b) 3.68 ] c) 0.20 ] d) 6.75 ] e) 7.35

Solution : We will obtain this potential difference from the Conservation of Energy Theorem:
+,+.,=+/+./
q 01 , - 1 / 3 = 1 2 ) 4 v / 2
We solve for the potential difference 1 ,
1) 4V / 2 (6×10-6)(3500)2
1, 1/=2q= 2 ( 5X10-3 ) =73501

-1/:

12. In an experiment, a beam of electrons is accelerated from rest by a potential difference of 240V. The beam enters
perpendicularly into a region where a magnetic field exists and the radius of the beam is found to be 60 cm.

a) 2.36 × 10 6 b) 5.32 × 10 6 c) 7.37 × 10 6 d) 9.18 × 10 6 e) NEC

What is the speed of the electrons in m/s?
Solution :
+,+.,=+/+./
q 01 , - 1 / 3 = 1 2 ) 4 v / 2
We solve for the speed and substitute values (it is important that you consider the negative charge of the electron and
the potential difference 1 , - 1 / will give a negative result, since the point where the electrons start from rest for them
to accelerate must be at a lower potential than the point where they exit the accelerator):

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UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS OF GUATEMALA
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
– Inga. Claudia Contreras

V/=52 2(-l . 6 × l < =>?

)(-2@<) = 9.186 × 10 6 )/ s
6H8:Xjl=5. (9 . l × l <
=C>
/
:;

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UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS OF GUATEMALA
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
– Inga. Claudia Contreras

13. Helical motion (Problem 58, Ch.29, Serway-Jewett)

A uniform magnetic field of magnitude 0.150 Teslas is directed along

the positive x axis. A positron moving at 5x106 m/s enters the magnetic
field following a direction that makes an angle of 85 degrees with the
x-axis. The motion of the particle is expected to be helical. a) Calculate
the step p and b) the radius r of the path.

Solution : The magnetic force experienced by a particle in the presence

of a magnetic field is given by: R
F = qv × B
R

Note that the velocity has an “x” component that is parallel to the
magnetic field and that does not cause a magnetic force on the particle.
However, the velocity also has a “y” component that is perpendicular to
the field and that produces a magnetic force on the particle. The
magnitude of the velocity and its components in “x” and “y” (the latter
is the perpendicular component) respectively are:
v = 5 × 106 m / s
v x = v cos85 o
v ⊥ = vsin 85 o
In such a way that the magnetic force on the particle causes it to describe a circular motion in the yz plane, whose
radius is:
v

F = qv B = m R ⊥
⊥

mv (9.1 × 10 - 31 )(5 × 10 6 sin 85 o )

R= ⊥
=
qB (1.6×10-19)(0.150)
R = 1.89 × 10 - 4
m
So we can now find the angular velocity of the particle and its period:
And the step of the trajectory will be the multiplication of the “x” component of the speed by the period of the
v 5 × 10 6 sin
= 2.635 × 10 10 rad /
⊥

85 o
sec
2 -4
1.89×10
T= 2.38 × 10 - 10
sec
movement. π
p = ( v cos85 o ) ∗ T = 1.04 × 10 − 4
m

Magnetic force on a current-carrying wire

14. The cube in the figure has edges of 50 cm. Four straight segments of wire, ab, bc, cd, and da , form a closed loop
that carries a current I=3.0 A in the direction shown. In the positive “y” direction there is a uniform magnetic
field of magnitude B=4.0T. Determine the magnitude (in N) and direction of the
magnetic force in segment cd .
a) 4.24 (-k) b) 6 (-k) I c) 6 (+k) I d) 8.48 (j+k) I e) 4.24 (+k)

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UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS OF GUATEMALA
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
– Inga. Claudia Contreras

Solution : The magnetic force on a current-carrying wire is given by:

F & B =ILxB
For segment cd: Lcd = 0.5) (-`̂ + â) , then
F = 300.5(- 1) + 0.5( )3×4b=3(0.5)(4)(- i ×b) +3(0.5)(4)( x j)
- TO
F =6 N( -U V )
15. Referring to the previous problem, determine the magnitude (in N) and direction of the magnetic force in the
segment bc .
a) 6 (+i) | b) 60 (+i) | c) 60 (-i) | d) 60 (i+k) | e) 6 (-i)
Solution : The magnetic force on a current-carrying wire is given by:
F B =ILxB
—> TO
For the segment cd: ] c ^ = 0.5) ( U ) , then
F =3(0.5 ( U ) × 4b ) =3 ( 0.5 )( 4 )( U×b ) =6 N( -')
16. A straight length of conducting wire of mass M and length L is placed on a frictionless slope that
R

forms an angle θ with the horizontal, according to the figure. There is a uniform vertical magnetic field B at all
points (created by an arrangement of magnets not shown in the figure). To prevent the wire from slipping down the
slope, a voltage source is attached to the ends of the
wire. When exactly the right amount of current flows through the wire,
B (vertical) Wire, it remains at rest. Find the magnitude and direction of the current in the
mass M wire that will keep it at rest.

Solution :
The magnetic force experienced by the wire due to the presence of the
magnetic field is equal to:
R RR
F B = Il × B = IlBsin ϕ in this case the angle ϕ =90 ° so F B = ILB

In order for the system to be in equilibrium and the wire not to slide down the ramp, the magnetic force must point to
the left, so current must flow out of the left end of the wire.

Now we will use the force diagram to find the magnitude of the current:

∑Fx ILB = Nsinθ > N = ILB

sin θ
=0^

∑ F y = 0 > Mg = N cos Mg
cos
θ >N = θ

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 UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS OF GUATEMALA
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
– Inga. Claudia Contreras

Equating both terms and solving for I;

ILB = Mg ^ I = Mg tan θ
θ
sin cos θ L.B.

17. A uniform thin rod of negligible mass and 0.2 meter long is attached to the ground by a
frictionless hinge at point P. A horizontal spring with force constant K=4.80 N/m links the
other end of the rod to a vertical wall. The rod is in a uniform magnetic field B = 0.340 T
directed towards the plane of the figure. There is a current I=6.50 A in the rod in the
direction indicated. a) Calculate the torque due to the magnetic force on the rod with respect
to an axis at P. Is it correct to consider that the magnetic force acts on the center of gravity of
the rod when calculating the torque? b) When the rod is in balance and makes an angle of
53˚ with the floor, is the spring stretched or compressed? c) how much energy is stored in
the spring when the rod is in equilibrium.

Solution a) We will consider that the total magnetic force acts on the center of gravity of the rod,
in such a way that:

R RR
F B = Il × B = ILBsin ϕ , from the figure it is observed that ϕ =90 ° so F B = ILB

Let us now calculate the torque due to the magnetic force on point P:
l IL 2 B
τ = r × F ^ τ = rFsin ϕ = rFsin (90 ° ) = rF = 2 ILB = 2
To verify if our consideration was correct, we will divide the rod into infinitesimal segments of length dr,
subsequently calculating the dF of these segments and subsequently the torque experienced by the rod:

dF = IdrB = IBdr ; also d τ = r × dF = rdFsin (90 ° ) = rdF = rIBdr

τ=∫dτ=∫
IBL
2 which proves that our previous consideration is correct.

2
b) When the system is in equilibrium the sum of torques must be equal to zero. In this particular case the
Torque due to the spring causes the rod to rotate counterclockwise, while torque
due to the magnetic force causes it to rotate clockwise. Hence:

∑τ =0 ^-
IBL 2
2
= L × Kx = LKxsin (53 ° ) > solving for x:

=IBL = (6.5 Amperes )(0.340 T )(0.2 m ) = 005765

x 2 Ksin (53 ° ) =
=
2(4.8 N / m ) sin (53 ° ) = . m

c) The energy stored in the spring is ½ K x 2 so:

U = 1 2 Kx 2 = 1 2 (4.80 N / m )(0.05765 m ) 2 = 7.98 x 10 - 3 Joules

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 UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS OF GUATEMALA
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
– Inga. Claudia Contreras

Torque on a current-carrying loop

18. The figure shows the orientation of a circular coil of 50 turns, with each turn carrying a
current I in the direction indicated and located in a magnetic field of magnitude 50 mT
directed in the +z direction. The coil can rotate around the “y” axis. If Ɵ=20°, R= 0.50
m and I = 12 A, the magnitude of the torque (in Nm) exerted on the coil is:

I a) 24 ] b) 22 ] c) 13 ] d) 16 ] e) 8.1

Solution : The torque experiences a current-carrying loop in the presence of a

magnetic field is given by:
=üx B =e Bsinf=N \gBsinf
We must therefore find the angle between the magnetic dipole moment
vector and the field. The magnetic dipole moment vector must be
perpendicular to the plane of the loop and its direction depends on the
direction of the current. If we observe the xz plane we will then have the
angle f = 70 + 90 = 160° , so:
T = N \gBsinf= ( 50 )( 12 ) E ( 0.5 )2(50 x 10-3 )sin( 160 )
= 8.09N)(
-to)

19. Referring to the previous problem, the magnitude of the magnetic dipole moment is (in SI units):
I a) 471.24 ] b) 9.42 ] c) Zero ] d) 150 ] e) 942.48

Solution : The magnetic dipole moment of the loop has a magnitude of:
e=N \g = (50 )( 12 ) E ( 0.5 )2 = 471.238g)
2

20. A square coil, side length 0.20 m, has 50 turns, carrying a current I=0.50 A. The coil is
oriented as shown in the figure in a uniform magnetic field B=0.40 T, directed in the positive
“ y ” direction. What is the magnitude of the torque in the coil (in Nm).

I a) 0.35 I b) 1.73 ] c) 0.20 ] d) 1.00 ] e) 0.40

Solution : The torque experienced by a current-carrying loop in the presence of a magnetic field is given by:
d = ¡1 x B =eBsinf=N \gBsinf
We must therefore find the angle between the magnetic dipole moment vector
and the field. The magnetic dipole moment vector must be perpendicular to the
plane of the loop and its direction depends on the direction of the current and
is the same direction as that of the area vector.
If we observe the xy plane we will then have the angle f = 30 + 90 = 120° ,
so:
d: = N \gBsinf= ( 50 )( 0.5 )( 0.2 )2( 0.4 )sin( 120 ) = 0.346N) ( U V )

o the previous problem. What is the magnitude of the dipole moment of the loop? (in SI units)

1 b) 1.73 ] c) 0.20 1 d) 1.00 | e) 0.40

The magnetic dipole moment of the loop has a magnitude of:

e=N \g = (50 )( 0.5 )( 0.2 ) 2 = 1g) 2

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