Changing kinetic E of charged particle in magnetic field - Halbach array

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the kinetic energy of a charged particle, specifically an electron, in the context of a magnetic field and a Halbach array. Participants explore the relationship between magnetic fields and changes in kinetic energy, questioning the effects of magnetic forces on particle motion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss whether a magnetic field can change the kinetic energy of a charged particle, with some questioning the nature of the forces involved and the work required to alter kinetic energy. Others bring up specific examples, such as the free electron laser and cyclotron radiation, to explore the implications of changing particle direction.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising questions and providing insights into the physics of charged particles in magnetic fields. There is a recognition of the complexity of the topic, and while some guidance has been offered, multiple interpretations are still being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the assumption of a frictionless environment and are considering the implications of radiation emitted by charged particles when their direction is altered by magnetic fields.

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changing kinetic E of charged particle in magnetic field -- Halbach array

hi, I read somewhere that you can't change a charged particle's (we'll say electron) kinetic energy with a strong magnetic field, that you only change the electron's direction. I'm assuming a frictionless environment. This is a silly question, I just wanted to make sure, thanks!
 
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To change its KE, you would have to do work on it, right? In what direction is the force on a moving charged particle due to a magnetic field? What cross-product equation describes this force? What about the cross product provides the answer to your question?

I'm moving this to the Homework Help forums, BTW, since it is coursework.
 


ok, you know about the free electron laser right? aka the wiggler? More precisely, I want to know if the particle accelerated through the halbach array slows slows down
 


From the description of the array, it doesn't look like it would change the speed of the particle, but I don't know for sure. I'll move this to Advanced Physics and change the thread title to get some better views.
 


thanks!
 


Hi...
If you change the direction of an electron (for example with a magnetic field) it generates radiation and so its kinetic energy changed (it slows down).
 


Final said:
Hi...
If you change the direction of an electron (for example with a magnetic field) it generates radiation and so its kinetic energy changed (it slows down).

Ah, good point. Like cyclotron radiation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclotron_radiation
 

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