A particle's momentum in a magnetic field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the momentum of a particle moving in a magnetic field, specifically addressing the relationship between velocity components and momentum in circular motion influenced by magnetic forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive momentum using various equations related to circular motion and magnetic forces, questioning whether the momentum should be calculated as a sum of vector components. Some participants emphasize the importance of considering only the velocity component perpendicular to the magnetic field.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different approaches to the problem, with some providing alternative solutions and others seeking clarification on the components of momentum. There is an ongoing exchange of ideas, but no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of uncertainty regarding the assumptions about velocity components and the definitions of momentum in the context of magnetic fields. The original poster expresses doubt about their calculations and seeks further explanation.

Antoha1
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Homework Statement
A particle with a charge equal to that of an electron enters a magnetic field. The direction of the particle's velocity
makes an angle of 45 degrees with the magnetic field lines. The particle moves in a spiral with a pitch of
##l##=2 cm. What is the magnitude of the particle's momentum when the magnetic field induction B is 0.02 T ?
Relevant Equations
##F_{Lorenz}=qvBsin\alpha##
##F_{centrifugal}=\frac{mv^{2}}{R}##
In this case:
##F_{Lorenz}=F_{centrifugal}##
to calculate momentum (p), do I need to use sum of speed vectors? Maybe someone can help me to solve this problem. For now, my solution looks like this:

$$a_{centrifugal}=\frac{v^2}{R}=\frac{F_{Lorenz}}{m}=\frac{qvBsin\alpha}{m}$$
$$\frac{v}{R}=\frac{qBsin\alpha}{m}\implies m=\frac{qRBsin\alpha}{v}$$
then getting R (T here is time period):
while particle is spinning around magnetic field lines (around x) and going to the side (direction x), the circumstance and ##l## are done in the same period of time (T)
$$T_{1}=T_{2}$$
$$\frac{l}{v_{x}}=\frac{2\pi R}{v}$$
$$v_{x}=vcos\alpha$$
Then R:
$$R=\frac{l}{2\pi cos\alpha}$$
then getting back and putting R there:
$$p=mv_{x}=mvcos\alpha=\frac{qBRsin\alpha}{v}\cdot vcos\alpha=\frac{qBlsin\alpha}{2\pi cos\alpha}\cdot cos\alpha=\frac{Blqsin\alpha}{2\pi}$$
$$p=\frac{Blqsin\alpha}{2\pi}$$
I am not sure about momentum being calculated like that, should it be sum of both vectors maybe, or how it works? can someone explain to me, or solve this problem? Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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The velocity of the circular motion is not the full velocity but just the component perpendicular to the field. And yes, the momentum have components on both directions.
 
nasu said:
The velocity of the circular motion is not the full velocity but just the component perpendicular to the field. And yes, the momentum have components on both directions.
I have came up with different solution. Could you check it aswell? Do not mind language. I'm adding image.
 

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Antoha1 said:
I have came up with different solution. Could you check it aswell? Do not mind language. I'm adding image.
1744840280005.png

This looks good to me.
 

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