184_projects:detecting_b_fields_24 [Projects & Practices in Physics]

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===== Project: Detecting magnetic fields =====

==== Kick Off Questions ====
  - How is magnetic field different than electric field? What is similar?
  - What is a cross product? What role does it serve in the magnetic field equation? 
  - How does the right hand rule work for calculating the magnetic field?

==== Main Problem ====

{{183_projects:magnetic.jpg?600}}

An experimental magnetic field detector has been constructed at the FTOE lab, to study the properties of these mysterious new hawkion particles.  You and your team have been asked to determine the charge of this new particle and construct a model of what the magnetic field should look like.  Thankfully, you've gotten some initial data from the FTOE staff. They were able to take two different magnetic field measurements for one of the particles, which was moving with velocity of $\vec{v} = \; < \! 0, -20, 0 \! > {\rm m/s}$. The first field was measured 1 m to the right and 1 m up from the charged particle and found to be $\vec{B}_1 = \; <\!0, 0, +7.07\times 10^{-6}\!> {\rm T}$. The second field was measured 4 m beneath the particle, and interestingly was found to be $\vec{B}_2 = \; <\!0,0,0\!> {\rm T}$. 

Your colleagues have also worked on a partially complete model of the field, but it looks like there are some pieces of code that the team wasn't sure what to do with. You will need to select a few locations to model the magnetic field due to the new particles and produce arrows that represent the magnetic field as the particle moves by. This will provide much needed information about these new particles!

<code python>

## Scene setup
scene.background = color.white
 
## Parameters and Initial Conditions
velocity = vector(0,-20,0)
#q =  ??? Don't know this??
 
## Observation Points - Need at least 3???
 
## Objects
charge = sphere(pos=vector(0,2,0), radius=0.1, color=color.blue)
xaxis = cylinder(pos=vector(-3,0,0), axis=vector(6,0,0), radius = 0.01, color=color.black)
yaxis = cylinder(pos=vector(0,-3,0), axis=vector(0,6,0), radius = 0.01, color=color.black)
zaxis = cylinder(pos=vector(0,0,-3), axis=vector(0,0,6), radius = 0.01, color=color.black) 
 
## Calculation Loop
 
t = 0
dt = 0.001
 
while t < 2:
 
    rate(100)
 
    charge.pos = charge.pos + velocity*dt
 
    t = t + dt
    
    
    if charge.pos.y < -3:
 
            velocity = vector(0,0,0)
 
 
## Not sure what to do with these
 
##p = sphere(pos=vector(-1,-1,0), radius = 0.1, color=color.cyan) 
##Barrow = arrow(color=color.red)
##Barrow.pos = p.pos
##Barrow.axis = vector(0,0,0)
</code>

<WRAP info>
=== Learning Goals ===
  * Visualize the magnetic field from a single moving charge
  * Use the right hand rule to predict the direction of the magnetic field
  * Understand how to use a cross product conceptually and mathematically
  * Explain the similarities and differences between electric and magnetic fields 
</WRAP>

==== Wrap Up Questions ====
  - Why is $B_2$ equal to zero?
  - What is a "normal" size for magnetic fields? (Look up how big is Earth's magnetic field, fridge magnet, etc.)
  - What shape is the magnetic field around the moving point charge? (Hint: make multiple observation points and move them around)
  - What assumptions did you make for the problem? How would you evaluate your answer?
  - What changes about the right hand rule if you have a negative charge?