Electron moving in a magnetic field

In summary, an electron launched at a 45 degree angle with respect to a magnetic field will move in a helix shape, with one velocity component causing it to make a circle and the other component allowing it to move in a straight line. This results in a spiral-like motion.
  • #1
PennyGirl
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0

Homework Statement


how will an electron move if it is launched into an magnetic field at an angle of 45o (w/ respect to the magnetic field)


Homework Equations


F=q*v X B


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
 
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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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
 
  • #4
Yup...spring, slinky, spiral...all the sort.
 
  • #5
The mathematical term for this shape is a helix.
 
  • #6
thanks so much!
 

1. How does a magnetic field affect the motion of an electron?

When an electron moves through a magnetic field, it will experience a force perpendicular to both its direction of motion and the direction of the magnetic field. This force causes the electron to move in a circular path around the magnetic field lines.

2. What determines the strength of the force on an electron in a magnetic field?

The strength of the force on an electron in a magnetic field depends on the strength of the magnetic field, the speed of the electron, and the angle between the electron's velocity and the magnetic field lines. This can be calculated using the formula F = qvBsinθ, where q is the charge of the electron, v is its velocity, B is the magnetic field strength, and θ is the angle between v and B.

3. How does the direction of an electron's motion change in a magnetic field?

The force on an electron in a magnetic field is always perpendicular to its velocity, which means that it will constantly change the direction of its motion. This results in a circular or spiral path, depending on the strength and direction of the magnetic field.

4. What is the relationship between an electron's charge and its motion in a magnetic field?

The force on an electron in a magnetic field is directly proportional to its charge. This means that an electron with a higher charge will experience a stronger force and therefore have a larger radius of motion compared to an electron with a lower charge.

5. How is the motion of an electron in a magnetic field used in technology?

The motion of electrons in a magnetic field is utilized in many technologies, such as electric motors, generators, and particle accelerators. These devices use the force on electrons to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy or vice versa. In particle accelerators, the circular motion of electrons is used to accelerate particles to high speeds for scientific research.

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