An electron has an initial velocity of (12.0j + 15.0k) km/s and a constant acceleration of (2.00 x 1012 m/s2)i in a region in which uniform electric and magnetic fields are present. If B = (400μT)i, find the electric field E.
We know:
This is a crossed fields problem with the two fields perpendicular to each other.
B is perpendicular to v, out of the page.
Since B is perpendicular, it does no work on the electron but instead deflects it in a circular path.
q = 1.6 x 10-19 C
v = (12.0j + 15.0k) km/s = square root(12.02 + 15.02) = 19.21 km/s = 1.921 x 104 m/s
B = 400μT = 400 x 10-6 T = 400 x 10-6 N/Cm/s
Φ = 90º
E = qvBsinΦ
E = (1.6 x 10-19 C)(1.921 x 104 m/s)(400 x 10-6 N/Cm/s)(sin90º)
E = 1.229 x 10-18 N