Calculate the charge to mass ratio in this mass spectrometer problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the charge to mass ratio (q/m) of a particle in a mass spectrometer, given a potential difference of 1.80 kV and a magnetic field strength of 0.038 T. The relevant equation provided is q/m = 2v / B²R², where v is the particle's velocity. Participants emphasize the importance of deriving the particle's speed from its kinetic energy and applying the Lorentz Force principles to solve the problem. A common misconception noted is the confusion between acceleration and velocity, which is critical for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Lorentz Force and its vector representation
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy equations, specifically KE = 1/2 mv²
  • Knowledge of magnetic fields and their effects on charged particles
  • Ability to convert energy units from keV to Joules
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive velocity from kinetic energy in mass spectrometry contexts
  • Study the application of centripetal force in uniform circular motion
  • Explore the relationship between electric potential and kinetic energy in charged particles
  • Investigate the vector nature of forces acting on charged particles in magnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, particularly those focusing on mass spectrometry and the behavior of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields.

kconnolly
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Homework Statement
In a mass spectrometer, a charged particle is first accelerated in an electric field through a potential difference of 1.80 kV. It exits the electric field and enters a uniform magnetic field, perpendicular to the field direction. The magnetic field strength is 0.038 T when the particle accelerates with a values of 7.28E+08 m/s². Assume all the electrical potential energy of the particle is converted to kinetic energy when the particle is accelerated in the electric field.

(a) Determine the charge to mass ratio of the particle.

C/kg

(b) If the particle is a singly charged positive ion, calculate its mass.
Relevant Equations
i think i could me q/m= 2v/B^2 R^2
2(7.28E+08) / (0.038^2) R^2
i don't know how to get r
 
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kconnolly said:
Homework Statement:: In a mass spectrometer, a charged particle is first accelerated in an electric field through a potential difference of 1.80 kV. It exits the electric field and enters a uniform magnetic field, perpendicular to the field direction. The magnetic field strength is 0.038 T when the particle accelerates with a values of 7.28E+08 m/s². Assume all the electrical potential energy of the particle is converted to kinetic energy when the particle is accelerated in the electric field.

(a) Determine the charge to mass ratio of the particle.

C/kg

(b) If the particle is a singly charged positive ion, calculate its mass.
Relevant Equations:: no clue

dont know what to do
As mentioned, you need to show us the Relevant Equation(s) and show your initial work on the problem before we can be of much tutorial help.

That said, you are probably studying the Lorentz Force, correct...?
 
kconnolly said:
Homework Statement:: In a mass spectrometer, a charged particle is first accelerated in an electric field through a potential difference of 1.80 kV. It exits the electric field and enters a uniform magnetic field, perpendicular to the field direction. The magnetic field strength is 0.038 T when the particle accelerates with a values of 7.28E+08 m/s². Assume all the electrical potential energy of the particle is converted to kinetic energy when the particle is accelerated in the electric field.

(a) Determine the charge to mass ratio of the particle.

C/kg

(b) If the particle is a singly charged positive ion, calculate its mass.
Relevant Equations:: i think i could me q/m= 2v/B^2 R^2

2(7.28E+08) / (0.038^2) R^2
i don't know how to get r
I see you've added some work into your original post. Have you worked with the vector Lorentz Force yet? It's easiest to work this problem using vectors, IMO.
 
berkeman said:
I see you've added some work into your original post. Have you worked with the vector Lorentz Force yet? It's easiest to work this problem using vectors, IMO.
I don't really know to be honest. I am quiet lost on how to do it. don't even really know how to start it
 
What are you studying now that prompted this homework question? Are you using vectors in your calculations in that class, or just trig formulas? What reading have you been doing about the Lorentz Force?
 
berkeman said:
What are you studying now that prompted this homework question? Are you using vectors in your calculations in that class, or just trig formulas? What reading have you been doing about the Lorentz Force?
`i am doing magnetism. i think we are just using trig formulas. what i have gotten so far is
A->q/m =2v / B^2 R^2
2(7.28*10^8)/ (0.038^2) R^2
then use r =mv/qb to get r
B-> 1.6*10^-19
i just don't know how to actually get r
 
or could you use q/m = .5(velocity^2) / voltage
 
I'm not able to follow your equations without starting at the beginning. Here is what the Lorentz Force looks like as a vector equation:

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/magfor.html
1618758126240.png


It says that the force on a charged particle q due to electric field E is qE and is in the same axis as the direction of E. It also says that the magnetic force on q is qv X B (where "X" is the vector cross product), so that force is perpendicular to both the velocity v and the direction of the magnetic field B.

So if the charged particle is traveling at a right angle to B, then the magnetic force equation reduces to F = qvB, and is perpendicular to both the velocity v and the direction of the B field.

The acceleration that they are giving for the charged particle is due to the centripetal acceleration of the particle around the magnetic field lines. You figure out the velocity of the particle based on its initial Kinetic Energy (KE) from the 1.80keV energy it got accelerating in the electric field part of the mass spectrometer.

What is the equation for the acceleration of a particle in uniform circular motion in terms of its mass and velocity and the radius of the circular motion? What is the units conversion from energy in keV to Joules?
 
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  • #10
kconnolly said:
A->q/m =2v / B^2 R^2
2(7.28*10^8)/ (0.038^2) R^2
then use r =mv/qb to get r
B-> 1.6*10^-19
i just don't know how to actually get r
You have substituted "7.28*10^8" for the value for v in your equation. But 7.28*10^8 m/s² is an acceleration, not a speed. You can’t do that!

Do you know where the formula “q/m= 2v/B^2 R^2“comes from? Is it a standard formula from your data sheet? (If not, you shouldn't use it.)

There is no need to find/use the radius of motion. Try this approach:

a) Derive an expression for the particle’s speed when it exits the electric field

b) Write an expression for the magnetic force experienced by the particle in the magnetic field.

c) Apply ‘F=ma’ to come up with an equation from which (with some algebra) q/m can be found.

For information, I think there is a mistake in the original question.
“[The particle] exits the electric field and enters a uniform magnetic field perpendicular to the field direction.”
should say:
“[The particle] exits the electric field and enters a uniform magnetic field which has a direction perpendicular to the particle’s velocity.”

Edited - typo'.
 
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  • #11
sorry i really don't understand the other ways
 
  • #12
berkeman said:
I'm not able to follow your equations without starting at the beginning. Here is what the Lorentz Force looks like as a vector equation:

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/magfor.html
View attachment 281729

It says that the force on a charged particle q due to electric field E is qE and is in the same axis as the direction of E. It also says that the magnetic force on q is qv X B (where "X" is the vector cross product), so that force is perpendicular to both the velocity v and the direction of the magnetic field B.

So if the charged particle is traveling at a right angle to B, then the magnetic force equation reduces to F = qvB, and is perpendicular to both the velocity v and the direction of the B field.

The acceleration that they are giving for the charged particle is due to the centripetal acceleration of the particle around the magnetic field lines. You figure out the velocity of the particle based on its initial Kinetic Energy (KE) from the 1.80keV energy it got accelerating in the electric field part of the mass spectrometer.

What is the equation for the acceleration of a particle in uniform circular motion in terms of its mass and velocity and the radius of the circular motion? What is the units conversion from energy in keV to Joules?
i1.8kev = 2.8839E-16 J
i don't really know how to do the velocity thing
would it be v^2= ke/.5m
 
Last edited:
  • #13
kconnolly said:
i1.8kev = 2.8839E-16 J
i don't really know how to do the velocity thing
would it be v^2= ke/.5m
Yes, ##KE = \frac{1}{2}m v^2##

(note that I used in-line LaTeX to generate that math equation -- see the "LaTeX Guide" in the lower left of the Edit window)

And what is the equation for the centripetal force in uniform circular motion involving mass, velocity and radius?
 

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