Calculating Electron Velocity in Crossed E and B Fields

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To determine the velocity of an electron traveling straight through crossed electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields, the relevant equations are F = QvB and F = QE. Given E = 1.0 x 10^5 N/C and B = 0.40 T, the velocity can be calculated using the formula v = E/B. Substituting the values yields a velocity of 2.5 x 10^5 m/s. The discussion clarifies the confusion around the calculations and confirms the correct approach to finding the answer.
Schaus
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Homework Statement


What velocity does an electron need to have in order to travel straight through the crossed E and B fields, given that E = 1.0 x 105 N/C and B = 0.40 T?
Answer: 2.5 x 105 m/s

Homework Equations


E=F/Q
F=BIl
F=QvB[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


1.0 x 105N/C / 1.6 x 10-19 = 6.25 x 1023N. I rearranged F=QvB - v=F/QB
v = 6.25 x 1023N/ (1.6 x 10-19)(0.40T). I'm left with 9.765 x 1042 but I know this isn't my velocity but I'm confused on where to go or what I did wrong.
 
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They give you the electric field, not force.
F=QE
 
I'm still at a loss then. I've switched to the E=KQ/r2 formula and rearranged it to get radius but I don't know how that helps me find velocity.
 
I found the answer but I'm not sure exactly what I did. I found a formula for electromagnetism on wikipedia - F=(v x B) and I took 1.0 x 105/0.40T and got my answer.
 
You were on the right path with F=QvB, and since (E) is given, I used the formula F=E*Q to replace (F) in the first equation.

Then got EQ=QvB
v=EQ/QB
v=E/B and got the answer 2.5*10^5 m/s.
which is the same answer you just found as well.

Sorry for any confusion, hopefully this helped.
 
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Awesome! Thank you! This makes much more sense!
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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