AP Mag Problem: 2.0keV Positron in 0.10T Field - Find Period, Pitch, Radius

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 2.0 keV positron projected into a uniform magnetic field of 0.10 T, with its velocity vector at an angle of 89 degrees to the field. Participants are tasked with finding the period, pitch, and radius of the resulting helical motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between magnetic force and centripetal force, with some expressing uncertainty about the term "pitch." Others provide analogies to clarify the concept of pitch in the context of helical motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes hints about using kinetic energy to find speed and the relationship between forces. Some participants have shared their understanding and experiences from class, while others are still exploring the concepts and definitions involved.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a lack of prior experience with similar problems in class, which may affect participants' confidence in approaching the question. The original poster expresses uncertainty about where to start, indicating potential gaps in foundational knowledge.

Physicsisfun2005
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A 2.0 keV positron is projected into a uniform magnetic field B of 0.10 T with its velocity vector making an angle of 89 degrees with B. Find
a. the period
b. the pitch p
c. the radius of the helix


We have never done a problem similar to this in class so I'm am not sure where to start...
 
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Here's a hint:

[tex]\v{F} = Q ( \v{E} + \v{u} x \v{B} ) = \frac{m v^2}{r}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
The 2.0 keV is the kinetic energy of the particle, from which you can get the speed (but remember to convert to joules).
 
ahhh...mag force = centripital force
 
Physicsisfun2005 said:
ahhh...mag force = centripetal force
Oui!
Ja!
Yes!
 
"pitch"? :confused:
 
Brad Barker said:
"pitch"? :confused:
If you look at a spring that is hanging vertically, you can see that it winds "up" to the right or to the left with a certain angle to the horizontal. This angle is the pitch. THe path of a charged object traveling through a magnetic filed will also be a helix (like a spring).
 
we went over it in class and i got the correct answers :smile:

if u want to know here they are:

a. period is 3.6e-10 sec.
b.pitch is 1.63e-4 m
c.radius is 1.48e10-3 m

Was easy once I figured that i needed to resolve the velocity vector in horizontal and vertical components :smile:
 

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