Question

According to the rocket scientists, what angle does the electric field make with the axis of the rocket? Laboratory scientists have created the electric and magnetic fields shown in the figure. (Figure 1) These fields are also seen by scientists that zoom past in a rocket traveling in the x-direction at 1.0 x 10^6 m/s. Assume that B = 0.58 T and E = 1.1 x10^6 V/m. Express your answer using two significant figures.

Answer 1

let, tan(45) = y/L

use length contraction equation, L' = L*sqrt(1 - (v/c)^2)

= L*sqrt(1 - (1*10^6/(3*10^8))^2)

= L*0.999994

let theta is the angle made by the E with rocket with respect rocket.

so, tan(theta) = y/L'

= y/(L*0.999994)

= tan(45)/0.999994

= 1.000006

theta = tan^-1(1.000006)

= 45.00017 degrees