Calculating Electron Velocity in Crossed E and B Fields

AI Thread Summary
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!
 
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