Calculating Velocity Change in a Moving Charge-Magnet Interaction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the interaction between a charged particle and a moving magnet, specifically focusing on the change in velocity of the charged particle as it moves through the magnetic field generated by the magnet. The problem is set within the context of classical physics, particularly concerning momentum and energy conservation principles.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of conservation laws, particularly momentum and angular momentum, in the context of the problem. There are discussions about the implications of the magnet's motion on the charged particle's velocity, with some questioning the assumptions about conservation in this scenario.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the conservation of energy in the rest frame of the magnet, while others are attempting to clarify the relationship between the velocities of the charged particle and the magnet. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the problem, with various interpretations being explored without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of specific information regarding the magnetic field and the mass of the charged particle, which influences the discussion. The problem is framed as a classical mechanics issue, with an emphasis on understanding the effects of the moving magnet on the charged particle.

HotFurnace
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Homework Statement


A magnet is moving with constant velocity vector ##\vec V##. A charged particle fly through it. At first, the objects are place very far from each other, and the charged particle velocity vector is ##\vec V0##, after the charged particle cross over and fly away from the magnet, it velocity vector is ##\vec Vc##. We know all the velocity ##\vec V0=110m/s## and ##\vec Vc=134m/s##. The angles are ##|\vec V;\vec V0|=120°## and ##|\vec V;\vec Vc|=45°##. Find ##|\vec V|##
Note: Assume that the charged particle do not affect the motion and magnetic properties of the magnet.

Homework Equations


3. The Attempt at a Solution [/B]
It must be some kind of momentum and angular momentum conservation, since we have no information about the magnetic field created by the magnet and the charge of the charged particles, nor do it mass. I assume a elastic collision between the charged particle and the magnet, but that do not hold since we cannot explain the velocity change in the direction perpendicular to ##\vec V##. I have no idea how to apply angular momentum conservation.
 
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HotFurnace said:
I have no idea how to apply angular momentum conservation.
What makes you think angular momentum is conserved?

There is, however, one conservation law that does apply. If we were in the rest frame of the magnet, how would the velocity of the particle change?
 
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I don't know, but if only momentum is conserved, then how would the velocity of the charged particle change in the direction perpendicular to ##\vec V##?? And from what I know, if a magnet is moving, it will generate a magnetic field and a electric field (note there's no relativity involved, this is a classical problem). If we consider the effect of the magnetic field then we would need to conserve angular momentum.
I just tried to do so, but I didn't realize anything special, more hint is needed.
 
Momentum is not conserved.

HotFurnace said:
And from what I know, if a magnet is moving, it will generate a magnetic field and a electric field (note there's no relativity involved, this is a classical problem).
This is why I asked you about the rest frame of the magnet!

HotFurnace said:
If we consider the effect of the magnetic field then we would need to conserve angular momentum.
Why?
 
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Yes, momentum is not conserved, what i mean with post #1 and #3 is that we can consider the interaction between the particles as an elastic collision, imagine a mass with velocity v collide with a moving wall with velocity u, the wall will just be moving on with u and the ball would return with velocity v+2u. This is not conservation after all, but that's what i mean. Sorry if i confused you.
I don't know why i think i need to conserve angular momentum , but after solving lots of problem related to charge moving in magnetic field, i had the feeling so. I'm still in high school and preparing for the National Physics Olympiad.
Maybe this is what you want to say, you wanted me to take the frame of the magnet so that the electric field generated by the magnet is zero. In this case then the charged particle energy is conserved. Maybe I got what you mean, let's try again.
 
HotFurnace said:
is that we can consider the interaction between the particles as an elastic collision,
If by "particles" you mean the particle and the magnet, then no. If you send the magnet mass to infinity, then yes.

HotFurnace said:
Maybe this is what you want to say, you wanted me to take the frame of the magnet so that the electric field generated by the magnet is zero. In this case then the charged particle energy is conserved.
Right, because the magnetic force (and hence the acceleration) is perpendicular to the velocity of the particle. How do you express the velocity of the particle in the rest frame of the magnet in terms of the velocities of the particle and magnet in the lab frame?
 
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I solved it yesterday, but had to sleep and take class. The key information is that energy is conserved in the magnet frame, so a little trigonometry will do the job: $$Vc^2+V^2+2Vc*V*cos(180-45)=Vo^2+V^2+2Vo*V*cos(180-120)$$, solve it for V we will get the answer $$V=19.55m/s$$
Thanks a lot for your help!
 
Great that you solved it. On a LaTeX note: Instead of writing Vc or Vo to get ##Vc## or ##Vo##, you can write V_c or V_0 to obtain ##V_c## or ##V_0##. Things will become much easier to read.
 

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