Calculating Vectors (in Joules) of an electromagnet

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force vector exerted by an electromagnet on an electron beam, particularly in the context of an incline and the application of the Lorentz force. Participants explore the mechanics of how magnetic fields interact with charged particles, as well as the role of electric fields in accelerating electrons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about calculating the vector exerted by an electromagnet on a particle, specifying the magnetic field strength and incline angle.
  • Another participant states that the force vector can be calculated using the Lorentz force equation, noting that it is orthogonal to both the magnetic field and the particle's motion.
  • A follow-up question is raised regarding how magnets can speed up electrons, questioning the mechanics behind electron beams in devices like CRTs.
  • One participant clarifies that acceleration of electrons is primarily achieved through electric fields, with time-dependent magnetic fields inducing electric fields in certain scenarios.
  • Another participant discusses the use of a single anode in CRT tubes and mentions that for high energies, other techniques like switching voltages are necessary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the role of electric fields in accelerating electrons, but there is some uncertainty regarding the specifics of how magnetic fields interact with electron beams and the mechanics of acceleration in practical applications.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the behavior of magnetic and electric fields in the context of electron beams remain unresolved, particularly regarding the interaction dynamics and the specifics of field configurations.

Blackhawk4560
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Good afternoon,

Question: Say I have an electromagnet at a 45 degree incline from an electron beam. This electromagnet is exerting 0.75 Tesla on the beam. How can I calculate the vector that the electromagnet will exert on a particle? Note, this is for my own curiosity, not for any homework assignment- Therefore, feel free to make up numbers if needed...

I hope I explained well enough, if not, check out the attached image~

Thank you in advance!
 

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Blackhawk4560 said:
How can I calculate the vector that the electromagnet will exert on a particle?
The force vector?
This is just the Lorentz force: ## \vec F = q \vec v \times \vec B## with the cross-product. It is orthogonal to both the magnetic field and the particle motion at the same time.

If the deflection is significant, v and therefore the force will change while the electrons are passing the magnet.
 
Ohhhh I've worked with Lorentz prior, I totally forgot that they have a vector form... Anyway, so secondary question: How do magnets speed up electrons, like we see in CRT's and medical equipment? Wouldn't any magnet automatically slam an electron beam into the wall in order to be perpendicular? Again, hope I worded that in a pseudo-coherent manor...

Thanks again! The help is certainly appreciated!
 
They don't. Acceleration is done via electric fields.

Time-dependent magnetic fields can do that as well (as they induce electric fields), but that is rarely used for electron beams.
 
Ohhhh that makes sense- I am ashamed to say how long I spent with the right hand rule trying to get them to add up! Anyway, just to make sure I'm on the same page, Is it just a series of increasingly powerful/ timed anodes to pull the beam forward? I would figure as much... See the attached diagram

Thank you again for the support!
 

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A single anode can be sufficient. That is the basic idea of CRT tubes, conventional x-ray production and so on.

The energy is limited by the voltage, so for very high energies (more thana few MeV) other techniques have to be used. Switching the voltages of the (multiple) electrodes is one approach and leads to the concept of a linac.
 
Beautiful- Thank you again for your time!
 

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