Electron passing through a magnetic and an electric field

In summary, the direction of the electric field needed for the electron to travel through the area without being deflected is in the +y direction and has a magnitude of 6.09*10^3 N/C. This can be determined by using the Lorentz force equation and the Right Hand Rule, taking into account the direction of the magnetic and electric fields.
  • #1
Quadrat
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1

Homework Statement


An electron with velocity ##\vec{v}_0=8.7*10^4(m/s)## (in the î direction) passing through an area with a uniform magnetic field ##\vec{B}=0.80 T## (in the negative k̂ direction). There's also a uniform electric field in this area.

What is the magnitude and direction of this electric field if the electron travels through this area without being deflected? [see picture below]

electron.jpg


Homework Equations


The Lorentz force ##\vec{F}=q(\vec{E}+\vec{v}×\vec{B})##
Right Hand Rule

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
The speed is low in comparison to that of the speed of light and the Lorentz factor ##γ=1.000000042## so we won't deal with special relativity in this problem.

So first let's use the RHR to decide the direction of the magnetic force on the electron. The crossproduct ##(\vec{v}×\vec{B})## multiplied by the negative scalar ##q## (since we're dealing with an electron) gives the magnetic force to point downward. The electric field that we seek has to point upwards and be equal to the magnetic force to make the electron stay fixed in its y-position.

The two parts of the Lorentz force has to be equal.

##\vec{F}_B=\vec{F}_E## and since we're dealing with uniform fields and the magnetic field and the velocity are perpendicular to each other the ##sin(θ)## is just ##1##.

We also know the direction of all the fields (the direction ##E##-field follows from definition and the wanted result in this problem) so we can skip the vector signs and simply have:
##qvB=qE## and ##E=vB##.

So the electric field has to point upward in the picture and have a magnitude of:
##E=(8.7*10^4 (m/s))(0.80 T)=6.09*10^3 (N/C)##

Did I get it right and is my reasoning on point?
 
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  • #2
Everything looks good to me except your result for multiplying (8.7 x 104)(0.80). Since you have coordinate axes given, it might be a little better to express the direction of the answer as "in the +y direction" or "in the ##\hat{j}## direction".
 
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  • #3
TSny said:
Everything looks good to me except your result for multiplying (8.7 x 104)(0.80). Since you have coordinate axes given, it might be a little better to express the direction of the answer as "in the +y direction" or "in the ##\hat{j}## direction".

You're right, thanks! Thanks for taking your time to help me!
 

1. What is the relationship between an electron, magnetic field, and electric field?

The movement of an electron through a magnetic and electric field is influenced by the forces exerted by both fields. The magnetic field causes the electron to experience a force perpendicular to its direction of motion, while the electric field causes a force in the direction of the field.

2. How does the direction of an electron's motion change when passing through a magnetic and an electric field?

The direction of an electron's motion can change in several ways when passing through a magnetic and an electric field. If the fields are perpendicular to each other, the electron will follow a curved path due to the combined forces. If the fields are parallel, the electron's motion will be affected differently depending on the strength of each field.

3. What determines the magnitude of the forces on an electron passing through a magnetic and an electric field?

The magnitude of the forces on an electron depends on the strength of the magnetic and electric fields, as well as the velocity of the electron. The angle between the electron's velocity and the direction of the fields also plays a role in determining the magnitude of the forces.

4. How do magnetic and electric fields affect the speed of an electron passing through them?

The speed of an electron passing through magnetic and electric fields remains constant, as long as the fields do not exert any forces on the electron. However, if the fields do exert forces on the electron, its speed may change due to the acceleration caused by these forces.

5. Can an electron's path be manipulated by changing the strength of the magnetic and electric fields?

Yes, the path of an electron passing through a magnetic and an electric field can be manipulated by changing the strength of the fields. By adjusting the strength and direction of the fields, scientists can control the trajectory of the electron and use it for various purposes such as particle acceleration or imaging techniques.

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