A proton with a charge of 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C travels at 2.0 × 10⁶ m/s perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field of 0.50 T. What magnetic force acts on the proton?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. 1.6 × 10⁻¹³ N

  1. Step 1: Magnetic force formula: F = q v B sin θ. Step 2. For perpendicular motion, sin 90° = 1. Step 3. Substitute values: F = (1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹)(2.0 × 10⁶)(0.50) = 1.6 × 10⁻¹³ N. Answer: 1.6 × 10⁻¹³ N. Why not the others: 3.2 × 10⁻¹³ N uses B = 1.0 T; 8.0 × 10⁻¹⁴ N uses v = 1.0 × 10⁶ m/s; 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁴ N is an order-of-magnitude error.

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