Applications of Magnetic Fields

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an ion with a charge of +1e entering a region with an electric field from parallel plates and a magnetic field. The ion is described as moving in a straight line, prompting questions about the forces acting on it and the conditions under which it does not curve.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between electric and magnetic forces acting on the ion, questioning why it does not curve despite the presence of these fields. There is confusion regarding the concept of a mass spectrometer versus a velocity selector.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of the forces involved, suggesting that the electric force may cancel the magnetic force, allowing the ion to travel in a straight line. Others are seeking further clarification on how to approach problems involving velocity selectors.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of specific values for the electric field and magnetic field, as well as the setup of the problem, which may influence the interpretation of the forces at play. Participants are also navigating the implications of the ion's charge and velocity in relation to the forces acting on it.

stonecoldgen
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Homework Statement


An ion with a charge of +1e enters a region where the electric field produced by parallel plates at 630V separated by 7.0mm is at right angles ot a magnetic field B=450mT. The ion moves a straight line. Find the magnitude of the electric field and the speed of the ion.


Homework Equations


F=qvB
Ampere's Law B=μ0I/2∏r



The Attempt at a Solution


Is this a mass spectrometer?

first of all, because the plates are parellel the force is maximized (sin90=1)

I am confused, isn't the ion supposed to curve in a radius defined by: r=mv/qB (mv2/r=qvB)

I just don't know what to do since the ion doesn't curve.

Thanks.
 
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stonecoldgen said:

Homework Statement


An ion with a charge of +1e enters a region where the electric field produced by parallel plates at 630V separated by 7.0mm is at right angles ot a magnetic field B=450mT. The ion moves a straight line. Find the magnitude of the electric field and the speed of the ion.

Homework Equations


F=qvB
Ampere's Law B=μ0I/2∏r

The Attempt at a Solution


Is this a mass spectrometer?

first of all, because the plates are parellel the force is maximized (sin90=1)

I am confused, isn't the ion supposed to curve in a radius defined by: r=mv/qB (mv2/r=qvB)

I just don't know what to do since the ion doesn't curve.

Thanks.

A moving charge in a magnetic field curves because the Lorentz force acts as a centripetal force. In this case the fields are arranged in such a way that the electric force cancels the magnetic force, so the path never bends. But since the force on the moving charge depends upon its velocity, this cancellation will occur only for same-charge particles with a specific velocity.

It's not a mass spectrometer; it behaves as a velocity selector.
 
sorry, can you please tell me how to work with velocity selectors? thanks I really appreciate it
 
stonecoldgen said:
sorry, can you please tell me how to work with velocity selectors? thanks I really appreciate it

Look up the Lorentz Force. It's comprised of the sum of the forces on charge due to electric and magnetic fields. In this problem you're told that the particle moves in a straight line at some velocity v, so what's the net force?
 

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