Kinetic Energy's Effect on Electron's Radius in Magnetic Field

In summary, to find the new radius of the electron's path in a magnetic field, use the formula Bvq = mv^2/r and solve for r. Then consider which quantity will change when the kinetic energy is doubled and use that to find the new radius.
  • #1
mirandab17
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An electron moves in a circular orbit of radius r in a magnetic field. The electron moves in a path perpendicular to the magnetic field. If the kinetic energy of the electron is doubled, what is the new radius of its path?

What formula would I use to go about this? Is this about mass spectrum? So I would go about using Fnet=ma, and then Fb (of a single charge) = mv^2/r.
So Bvq = mv^2/r... then where?

Please help! Test tomorrow! :(
 
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  • #2
mirandab17 said:
An electron moves in a circular orbit of radius r in a magnetic field. The electron moves in a path perpendicular to the magnetic field. If the kinetic energy of the electron is doubled, what is the new radius of its path?

What formula would I use to go about this? Is this about mass spectrum? So I would go about using Fnet=ma, and then Fb (of a single charge) = mv^2/r.
So Bvq = mv^2/r... then where?

Please help! Test tomorrow! :(

Sure, you're on the right track. Use that to solve for [itex]r[/itex] first. Then think about which quantity in the equation for the radius will change if the kinetic energy is doubled, and figure out how much it will be changed by.
 

What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. It is calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by the square of its velocity and dividing the result by two.

How does kinetic energy affect an electron's radius in a magnetic field?

In a magnetic field, the radius of an electron's orbit is directly proportional to its kinetic energy. This means that as the kinetic energy of the electron increases, its radius of orbit will also increase.

What is the relationship between kinetic energy and magnetic field strength?

The relationship between kinetic energy and magnetic field strength is not direct, as the strength of the magnetic field does not affect the kinetic energy of the electron. However, the strength of the magnetic field does affect the radius of the electron's orbit, which is directly proportional to its kinetic energy.

How does the mass of an electron impact its kinetic energy in a magnetic field?

The mass of an electron does not have a direct impact on its kinetic energy in a magnetic field. However, it does affect the electron's velocity, which is a factor in calculating kinetic energy. A heavier electron will have a lower velocity and therefore a lower kinetic energy compared to a lighter electron with the same velocity.

Can kinetic energy be converted into magnetic energy?

No, kinetic energy cannot be directly converted into magnetic energy. However, kinetic energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as electrical energy, which can then be converted into magnetic energy through the use of electromagnetic fields.

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