Electron moving in a magnetic field

[PennyGirl]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
how will an electron move if it is launched into an magnetic field at an angle of 45o (w/ respect to the magnetic field)


2. Relevant equations
F=q*v X B


3. The attempt at a solution
I'm having a hard time picturing what is going on. I know that if the electron is perpendicular to the magnetic field, then it will go around in a circle. I'm thinking that the electron will make and elipse

[Gear300]

Try to think of it like this: there are two velocity components (one along the direction of the magnetic field and one perpendicular to the magnetic field). The component perpendicular to the magnetic field will allow for an acceleration that is perpendicular to that particular velocity; the component parallel to the magnetic field results in no acceleration and so that velocity component remains unaffected.

[PennyGirl]

so it will look like a spring/slinky? because the part that isn't affected (perpendicular) with make a circle while the other one won't be affected and will therefore go in a straight line

[Gear300]

Yup...spring, slinky, spiral...all the sort.

[ideasrule]

The mathematical term for this shape is a helix.

[PennyGirl]

thanks so much!