Maximum speed of an electron in an ideal solenoid

In summary, the conversation discusses calculating the maximum speed an electron can have when fired from the axis of a solenoid. The solenoid has 1200 turns per meter, a radius of 10 cm, and a current of 4.0 A. The equation u=4pi*10^-7 T m/A is used to calculate B, which is then used in the equation r=(mv)/(qB) to determine the electron's maximum speed. The correct answer is 5.3 ×10^7 m/s, with the electron's trajectory forming a circle with a maximum diameter.
  • #1
efredman
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Homework Statement



A particular ideal solenoid has 1200 turns/m, a radius of 10 cm, and a current of 4.0 A. An electron is fired from the axis of the solenoid in a direction perpendicular to the axis. What is the maximum speed the electron can have if it is not run into the side of the solenoid?


I know the answer is 5.3 ×10^7 m/s but I have no idea how to arrive there... Any help would be great. Thanks.


Homework Equations



u=4pi*10^-7 T m/A

n=N/L

B=u*n*I

The Attempt at a Solution



I just plugged in the values to get B which ended up being .006032T and than used r=(mv)/(qB) to get v... but that didn't seem to work.
 
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  • #2
Don't confuse the radius of the solenoid with the radius of curvature of the electron's trajectory. The electron's trajectory will describe a circle. What's its maximum diameter?
 

1. What is an ideal solenoid?

An ideal solenoid is a theoretical device that consists of a long, straight wire wrapped into a cylindrical coil with perfect insulation. It produces a magnetic field that is constant along its axis and has zero magnetic field outside the coil.

2. Is there a maximum speed for an electron in an ideal solenoid?

Yes, there is a maximum speed for an electron in an ideal solenoid. This maximum speed is determined by the strength of the magnetic field and the charge of the electron.

3. How does the strength of the magnetic field affect the maximum speed of an electron in an ideal solenoid?

The stronger the magnetic field, the higher the maximum speed of an electron in an ideal solenoid. This is because the magnetic force on the electron is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field.

4. What is the formula for calculating the maximum speed of an electron in an ideal solenoid?

The formula for calculating the maximum speed of an electron in an ideal solenoid is v = Bq/m, where v is the maximum speed, B is the strength of the magnetic field, q is the charge of the electron, and m is the mass of the electron.

5. Can the maximum speed of an electron in an ideal solenoid be greater than the speed of light?

No, the maximum speed of an electron in an ideal solenoid cannot be greater than the speed of light. This is because the speed of light is the ultimate speed limit in the universe, and nothing can travel faster than it.

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