Force as a Function of Velocity (Lorentz Force)

In summary: So, qvB = mv^2/R where R is the radius of the circular path. Solving for R, we get R = mv/qB. And we know by definition, the velocity in a circle is v = 2(pi)R/T. Combining these two equations, we get R = qB/2(pi) where T is the time it takes to complete the circle. To determine T, we use the fact that the distance traveled is the circumference of the circle, or 2(pi)R. Thus, T = 2(pi)R/v. Substituting this into our equation for R, we get R = qBv/2(pi)(2(pi)
  • #1
astronomophosis
5
0
A singly charged lithium ion is accelerated by an electric field E=10i V/m applied between two plates ten centimeters apart. After passing through a small hole in the negative plate, the ion enters a region of space where there is a magnetic field B=5j mT. The ion moves in a circular path. What is the radius of this circle? The answer to this problem is 7.06 cm. How is this found?
 
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  • #2
If it moves in a circular path, it means all the force exerted on the particle is doing centripetal acceleration on it. Do you know the formulae relating radial acceleration and linear acceleration and the one for the Lorentz force?

During the first part of the particle's trajectory, it is simply accelerated with an E-field, and the B-field is zero. Then, having gained some velocity, it enters a non-zero magnetic field, but a zero electric field, and this is where it starts to go round in circles. You need to relate the force exerted on the particle by the B-field to the centripetal acceleration it's experiencing by going in a circle. You should find that the equations are only consistent if the radius is your stated answer.
 
  • #3
How do you prove the following?

force=-(del velocity)


please anyone answer me.
 
  • #5
astronomophosis said:
A singly charged lithium ion is accelerated by an electric field E=10i V/m applied between two plates ten centimeters apart. After passing through a small hole in the negative plate, the ion enters a region of space where there is a magnetic field B=5j mT. The ion moves in a circular path. What is the radius of this circle? The answer to this problem is 7.06 cm. How is this found?
As masudr indicated, the Li+ ion is accelerated across the potential, where F = qE, and the energy gained is just F*d. Then in the magnetic field, the particle of velocity v is subjected to a force q(v x B) where v x B is the cross product of the velocity and magnetic field. The resulting Lorentz force equals the centripetal force.
 

1. What is the Lorentz Force?

The Lorentz Force is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the force exerted on a charged particle by an electric and magnetic field. It is named after the Dutch physicist Hendrik Lorentz who first described it in the late 19th century.

2. How is force related to velocity in the Lorentz Force?

In the Lorentz Force, the force acting on a charged particle is directly proportional to the velocity of the particle. This means that as the velocity of the particle increases, the force acting on it also increases.

3. What is the formula for calculating the Lorentz Force?

The formula for calculating the Lorentz Force is F = q(E + v x B), where F is the force, q is the charge of the particle, E is the electric field, v is the velocity of the particle, and B is the magnetic field.

4. How does the direction of the force change with changes in velocity?

The direction of the force in the Lorentz Force is always perpendicular to both the velocity of the particle and the direction of the magnetic field. As the velocity of the particle changes, the direction of the force also changes.

5. What are some real-life applications of the Lorentz Force?

The Lorentz Force has many practical applications, including in electric motors, particle accelerators, and mass spectrometers. It is also crucial in understanding the behavior of charged particles in the Earth's magnetic field and in space travel.

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