Accelerating Ions through semicircular plates

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving the acceleration of ions through a potential difference and their subsequent motion between semicircular electrodes. The user has derived the kinetic energy equation and attempted to relate it to the electric field between the electrodes but struggles to determine the field configuration. They reference the need to integrate an equation over specific variable ranges to find the solution. A diagram is provided to clarify the setup, indicating the complexity of visualizing the electric field. The conversation aims to clarify the integration process necessary to solve the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement


Hey guys, this is from Purcell 3.19
"Ions are accelerated through a potential difference V_0 and then enter the space between the semicylindrical electrodes A and B. Show that an ion will follow the semicircular path of radius r_0 if the potentials of the outer and inner electrodes are maintained, respectively, at 2V_0*ln(b/r_0) and 2V_0*ln(a/r_0)."


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Well i started with
q*V_0 = KE = (mv^2)/2
so
V^2 = (2qV_0)/m
which combined with the rotational motion eq
E = F/q = (mv^2)/(qr_0) = (2V_0)/r_0
but i can't think of any way to pin down what the field is between the two cylinders.
just looking at the solution provided it seems like i should integrate the final equation for a variable r from b to r-nought and a to r-nought. I just don't know why. Any way to elucidate this for me?
 

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Attached a diagram (sorry for the paint) if it helps make it clearer
 
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