Magnetic fields and Circular Orbits Question

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving an electron accelerated through a potential difference and its subsequent motion in a magnetic field. The participants explore concepts related to circular motion, energy conversion, and magnetic forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy to determine the electron's speed. They also explore the application of magnetic force and centripetal force equations to find the radius of the orbit and the magnetic field strength.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the relationships between the variables involved, while others express uncertainty about the correctness of their results. There is an ongoing exploration of the integration of various physics concepts, with no explicit consensus reached on the necessity of integration in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential for large magnetic field values and discuss the implications of their calculations. There is mention of the problem's design possibly testing multiple physics concepts, but no resolution on the assumptions made regarding integration.

Sam_The_Great
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Hi, does anybody know what approach to take with the following problem.

An electron is accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 500V, then injected into a uniform magnetic field. Once in the magnetic field, it completes half a revolution in 2 ns. What is the radius of the orbit? And what is the magnetic field?

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You'll need to know several things. First, how fast is that electron going when it enters the magnetic field? (Think potential energy changing to kinetic: [itex]q\Delta V = 1/2 mv^2[/itex].) Then you'll need to combine your knowledge of the magnetic force on a moving charge (F = qvB, assuming the field is perpendicular to the velocity) and centripetal force ([itex]F = mv^2/r = m\omega^2 r[/itex]). Good luck!
 
Thanks you, I think I got the right answer, my magnetic field is just a little huge, like 16.4 T which just doesn't seem right, but I took the approach you put and also since T = 2pir/v and we know how long it took to complete half a revolution, I solved it. Thanks again Doc.
 
The question may have been designed to test your ability to integrate circular motion, work and energy and electrodynamics. So the large answer may not be a major factor...

Cheers
Vivek
 
Thanks for the assurance vivek. Did I need to integrate? I found the radius from the amount of time it took to complete half a circle. I found the velocity from change in voltage(charge) = 1/2 mv^2. and then I found the mag field from r =vm/qB. That's the correct approach to take right?

Thanks.
 
Did I need to integrate?

Integration wasn't involved in the problem. I think he meant it in a literal rather than mathematical sense.
 
Yeah,

I meant integration of various topics/ideas of physics...as Gza understood correctly :smile:

Cheers
Vivek
 
16T magnets are quite common...why we have a couple in my lab.
 

Similar threads

Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
4K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K