A singly ionized neon ion (charge +e) is moving due north with constant speed as it…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Magnetism and Electromagnetism · Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Problem
A singly ionized neon ion (charge +e) is moving due north with constant speed as it enters a region that contains a uniform magnetic field directed vertically upward (toward the sky). Neglect gravity for all parts of this problem.
(a) Determine the cardinal direction (east, west, up, or down) of the magnetic force acting on the ion immediately after it enters the field.
(b) The ion is momentarily neutralized and becomes negatively charged with the same magnitude of charge. State the new cardinal direction of the magnetic force on the ion while its velocity and the magnetic field remain unchanged.
(c) Explain your reasoning for both parts (a) and (b) by describing how the orientations of the velocity vector and the magnetic field vector establish the direction of the magnetic force. Your explanation should explicitly address why the sign of the charge affects the result.