Question

A proton traveling due west in a region that contains only a magnetic field experiences a vertically upward force (away from the surface of the earth). What is the direction of the magnetic field?

Answer 1

South

Explanation:

The magnetic force F on a point charge moving with a velocity v in the presence of a magnetic field B is given by

$\vec{\textbf{F}} = q\vec{\textbf{v}}\textbf{×}\vec{\textbf{B}}$

and according to the right-hand rule, an upward magnetic force on a proton moving westward is only possible if the magnetic field is directed southward.