Positron in a magnetic field

In summary, the conversation discusses a positron moving in a circular path due to a uniform magnetic field and the relationship between kinetic energy and the strength of the magnetic field. The resulting graph of kinetic energy as a function of B is quadratic, with KE being proportional to B^2.
  • #1
elitepro
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0

Homework Statement


A positron moves in a circular path of radius R due to a uniform magnetic field of strength B applied perpendicular to the plane of the circle. If B is varied, which of the following best represents a graph of the kinetic energy of the positron as a function of B so that the positron maintains the same radius R.

Homework Equations


qvB=mv^2/R

The Attempt at a Solution


KE = 1/2MV^2

Rearranging first equation, RqvB =mv^2, then multiply each side by 2

2RqvB = KE

Here i thought that KE is proportional to B, but v remains a variable that depends on KE. How do create a relationship between B and KE?
 
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  • #2
Try using qvB=mv2/R to get an expression for v.
 
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Likes elitepro
  • #3
Wow. I don't know how I messed that up. Graph is quadratic. Thanks for your help!
 
  • #4
Good work.
 
  • #5
2RqvB = KE

You could also note that v is proportional to KE^(1/2), and then since you don't need to worry about constants such as 1/2m you can just say that 2q KE^1/2 B is proportional to KE, and by dividing KE ^1/2 on both sides you get 2qB is proportional to KE^1/2.
so KE is proportional to B^2 and you get the answer that it is a quadratic formula centered at 0.
 

1. What is a positron?

A positron is a subatomic particle with the same mass as an electron but with a positive charge. It is the antimatter counterpart to an electron.

2. What happens to a positron in a magnetic field?

When a positron enters a magnetic field, it will experience a force due to its positive charge. This force will cause the positron to move in a circular path, also known as a helix, around the magnetic field lines.

3. How does the direction of the magnetic field affect the positron's motion?

The direction of the magnetic field will determine the direction of the force acting on the positron. If the magnetic field is pointing towards the positron's motion, the force will be in the opposite direction and will slow down the positron. If the magnetic field is pointing in the same direction as the positron's motion, the force will be in the same direction and will speed up the positron.

4. What is the relationship between the positron's velocity and the radius of its circular motion in a magnetic field?

The positron's velocity and the radius of its circular motion are inversely proportional. This means that as the positron's velocity increases, the radius of its circular path decreases, and vice versa.

5. How is a positron's energy affected by a magnetic field?

A positron's energy is not affected by a magnetic field. However, the positron's kinetic energy may change as it moves in a circular path due to the magnetic force acting on it.

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