An electron describing a helical path

  • Thread starter Thread starter Alteron
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electron Path
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the properties of an electron moving in a helical path within a uniform magnetic field of magnitude B = 3.00 x 10-3 T. The electron's velocity is v = 1.80 x 107 m/s at an angle α = 60.0° to the magnetic field. Key calculations include determining the radius R of the helical loop, the time taken for one full revolution, and the pitch of the helix. The approach involves decomposing the electron's motion into two vector components to apply relevant equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and forces on charged particles
  • Knowledge of vector decomposition in physics
  • Familiarity with circular motion equations
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equations of motion for charged particles in magnetic fields
  • Learn about the Lorentz force and its application in helical motion
  • Explore the concept of pitch in helical paths
  • Review vector decomposition techniques in physics problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in the dynamics of charged particles in magnetic fields.

Alteron
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
This problem involves a an electron describing a helical path, but I've never worked with helixes in my life, so I'm completely stuck.

Homework Statement



An electron enters a region where a uniform magnetic field B, of magnitute B = 3.00 * 10^(-3) T exists. The velocity v of the electron, of magnitute v = 1.80 * 10^7 ms^-1, makes an angle α = 60.0° with the field B. (B is a straight line, v is at an angle of 60° to B).
Calculate:
1. The radius R of a loop of helix
2. The time taken for the electron to complete one full revolution
3. The pitch of the helix (the distance between the two consecutive loops)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


As far as I can tell the only way to solve this is to split the motion of the helix into 2 component vectors, but I don't know how to incorporate the angle, I never tried to solve a helical problem before, so I'm not sure which equations are relevant.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi,
I think you did not write the question as given to you..maybe you modified little bit..
Anyway this link will be helpful
http://www.memetaworks.com/e_as_Quantum/
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
12K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K