Calculating Particle Mass Using Magnetic Force

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter SDPY15
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Magnetism Physics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mass of a positive particle with a charge of 1.6E-19 C, traveling at a velocity of 1.9E4 m/s in a magnetic field of 1.0 x 10-3 T, with a circular motion radius of 0.40 m. Participants clarify that the magnetic field strength is indeed 1.0E-3 T, not 1.0E8 T. To find the particle's mass, one can use the Lorentz force equation, which relates magnetic force to centripetal force, allowing for the derivation of mass in terms of velocity, magnetic field, and radius.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Lorentz force equation
  • Knowledge of centripetal force concepts
  • Familiarity with basic particle physics
  • Ability to manipulate scientific notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of mass from the Lorentz force equation
  • Learn about centripetal motion and its applications in physics
  • Explore the implications of magnetic fields on charged particles
  • Investigate the effects of varying magnetic field strengths on particle trajectories
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, researchers in particle dynamics, and anyone interested in the applications of magnetic fields in particle motion.

SDPY15
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Hey yall:

So I ran across this confusing question and was wondering if you guys could help me out.

Consider the fact that you have a positive particle (which would be q=1.6E-19) that is traveling at 1.9E4 m/s perpendicular to a 1.0 x 10-3 T magnetic field. If the radius is .40m what is the particles mass?

I don't understand how the 1.0 x 10-3 T can be used in any calculation! Is that just 1.0E8 T, or am I really missing something? Any formulas would be appreciated.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
SDPY15 said:
I don't understand how the 1.0 x 10-3 T can be used in any calculation! Is that just 1.0E8 T, or am I really missing something?
Unless it's a misprint, they meant 1.0 x 10-3 T, which is the same as 1.0E-3 T.

Any formulas would be appreciated.
How do you find the magnetic force on a moving charge? Look up the Lorentz force.
 
Think about how the magnetic force interacts with a moving charge. It moves along in a circle, so we can say that the magnetic force is the centripetal force on the particle. Using the two equations, one can find an equation that solves for the mass of the particle in terms of the velocity, magnetic field, and radius.

EDIT: oh, and the charge :p
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Can nested solenoids trap particles?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Undergrad Magnetic field inside a capacitor
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Graduate Forces acting on a magnet which is deflecting a charged particle
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad High School Magnetic Field Lab
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Graduate Help with the trajectory of a particle in a magnetic field
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
Undergrad Numerical calculations of a railgun yielded disappointing results
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Calculating distance (from magnet) to an arbitrary point in 3D space
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Why is my magnetic levitation experiment not working?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Graduate Calculating the terminal velocity of a magnet falling through a copper coil
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Calculus & magnetic force on charged particle
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K