Question

The magnetic field at the equator points north. if you throw a positively charged object (for example, a baseball with some electrons removed) to the east, what is the direction of the magnetic force on the object

Answer 1

Recall the equation for magnetic force:

F = qv x B          *x is cross product, not separate variable!

If the magnetic field points towards N and you throw E, then the magnetic force would point up, or out of the page. Use the right-hand rule. You point your finger towards the direction of the object, and curl your finger to the magnetic field. Your thumb is the direction of the magnetic force.

Hope this helps!