Question

The strength of the Earth’s magnetic field B at the equator is approximately equal to 5 × 10−5 T. The force on a charge q moving in a direction perpendicular to a magnetic field is given by F = q v B, where v is the speed of the particle. The direction of the force is given by the right-hand rule. Suppose you rub a balloon in your hair and your head acquires a static charge of 6 × 10−9 C. If you are at the equator and driving west at a speed of 80 m/s, what is the strength of the magnetic force on your head due to the Earth’s magnetic field? Answer in units of N.

Answer 1

Answer:

$2.4\cdot 10^{-11} N$

Explanation:

Since the Earth's magnetic field is perpendicular to your direction of motion, the strength of the magnetic force exerted on your head is given by:

$F=qvB$

where:

$q=6\cdot 10^{-9}C$ is the charge on your head

$v=80 m/s$ is the speed at which you are moving

$B=5\cdot 10^{-5} T$ is the strength of the magnetic field of the Earth

By substituting these numbers into the equation, we find the strength of the magnetic force:

$F=(6\cdot 10^{-9}C)(80 m/s)(5\cdot 10^{-5} T)=2.4\cdot 10^{-11} N$