Magnetic field in a particle accelerator

In summary, At the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois, protons with a momentum of 2.2×10−16 kg*m/s are steered clockwise in a circular path with a diameter of 1.8 km. The task at hand is to find the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field in the surrounding magnets. To solve this, the Lorentz force equation is used and after plugging in the values, the final answer is determined to be 1.5 T, counterclockwise.
  • #1
mgoff87
4
0
Protons with momentum 2.2×10−16 kg*m/s are magnetically steered clockwise in a circular path 1.8 km in diameter at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois.

I am asked to find the magnitude and direction of the field in the magnets surrounding the beam pipe...

I'm fairly certain that this is a simple plug and chug problem, but I'm not sure which equation to use...perhaps something with the cyclotron frequency?
 
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  • #2
acceleration

Hint: What is the acceleration of something with that momentum going in that circle?
 
  • #3
when it comes to charged particles in a magnetic field you're supposed to start with lorentz force
circular motion refers to centripedal force

let's not spoil any further
 
  • #4
got it!

Alright, the only thing that was confusing me was the units for momentum and trying to set as one variable...

What i found was B = mv/rq where mv was the momentum that they gave us. After that it was just plugging in the numbers.

I got my final answer to be 1.5 T
 

1. What is a magnetic field in a particle accelerator?

A magnetic field is a force field created by the flow of electrically charged particles in a particle accelerator. It is used to control and guide the charged particles through the accelerator, allowing them to reach high speeds and collide with each other.

2. How does the magnetic field in a particle accelerator work?

The magnetic field in a particle accelerator is created by powerful electromagnets. These magnets use an electric current to generate a magnetic field that can be adjusted and controlled to steer the particles in the accelerator.

3. Why is a magnetic field necessary in a particle accelerator?

A magnetic field is necessary in a particle accelerator because it allows scientists to control the path of the charged particles as they travel through the accelerator. This is important for ensuring that the particles collide at the desired location and energy level.

4. How is the strength of the magnetic field measured in a particle accelerator?

The strength of the magnetic field in a particle accelerator is typically measured in units of Tesla (T). This unit represents the strength of the magnetic field at a specific point in the accelerator.

5. Are there any risks associated with the magnetic field in a particle accelerator?

The magnetic field in a particle accelerator is carefully controlled and monitored to ensure the safety of both the scientists and the equipment. However, strong magnetic fields can have effects on certain materials and may cause harm to individuals with certain medical devices, such as pacemakers. Therefore, safety protocols are in place to protect against any potential risks.

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