A proton (charge q = 1.6 10^-19 C, mass m = 1.67 10^-27 kg) enters a uniform magnetic field B = 0.5 T perpendicular to the field lines with speed v = 2.0 * 10^6 m/s. What is the radius of its circular trajectory?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 4.18 cm

  1. Step 1: The magnetic Lorentz force provides the centripetal force: q v B = m * v^2 / r.
  2. Step 2: Radius formula: r = m v / (q B).
  3. Step 3: Substitute values: r = (1.67 10^-27 2.0 10^6) / (1.6 10^-19 * 0.5).
  4. Step 4: r = (3.34 10^-21) / (0.8 10^-19) = 0.04175 m = 4.18 cm.
Answer
4.18 cm.
Why not the others: 2.09 cm uses B = 1.0 T; 8.35 cm uses v = 4.0 * 10^6 m/s; 1.05 cm divides by 4.

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