A proton traveling due east and horizontal enters a region that contains both a

Question

A proton traveling due east and horizontal enters a region that contains both a uniform magnetic field and a uniform electric field. ( We are ignoring the Earth's magnetic field and assuming that the uniform magnetic field is provided by a strong magnet.) The electric field lines point due north. It is observed that the proton continues to travel in a straight line towards the east.         
a) What direction is the electric force on the proton? Explain.
b) What direction is the magnetic field on the proton? Explain.
c) In what directtion must the magnetic field lines point? Explain.

Explanation / Answer

a) The direction of elctric force is towards North.

because, electric force on a positive charged particle is in the direction of electroc field.

b) The direction of magnetic force must be towards south.

because, when both elctric and magnetic forces are equal and opposite, then only the proton moves staright away.

c) the direction of B is upward.

using right hand rule we can determine the direction of B.

Right hand rule: take your fingers in the direction of motion of positive charged particle and curl towards B, then your thumb indicates the direction of magnetic force.

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