Moderate

An electron moves in the negative x direction, through a uniform magnetic field in the negative y direction. The magnetic force on the electron is

Correct answer: A. in the negative z direction

  • A. in the negative z direction
  • B. in the positive z direction
  • C. in the negative y direction
  • D. in the positive y direction

Explanation

The magnetic force (F) on a charged particle moving through a magnetic field is given by the equation:\[ F = q \times (v \times B) \]Given:- The electron moves in the negative x direction (v = -v i)- The magnetic field is in the negative y direction (B = -B j)- The charge of an electron is negative (q = -e)Using the right-hand rule for the cross product of vectors and considering the negative charge of the electron:- Velocity (v) is in the negative x direction: v = -v i- Magnetic field (B) is in the negative y direction: B = -B jThe direction of the force (F) can be found using the cross product:\[ v \times B = (-v i) \times (-B j) = vB k \]Since the electron has a negative charge, the force direction is reversed:\[ F= -e (vB k) = -evB k \]Therefore, the magnetic force on the electron is in the negative z direction.Correct Option:(a) in the negative z direction Conclusion:The magnetic force on an electron moving in the negative x direction through a uniform magnetic field in the negative y direction is in the negative z direction (option a)

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About Electromagnetism

Magnetic flux density and magnetic flux describe the strength of a magnetic field and the field passing through a surface. A charged particle moving through a magnetic field experiences a force perpendicular to its velocity and may follow circular or helical motion, depending on the angle between velocity and field.

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