Charged Particles Moving in a Magnetic Field Ranking Task

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the ranking of five equal-mass charged particles (A–E) moving in a uniform magnetic field. The participant utilized the formula v=qBr/m to analyze the trajectories but encountered confusion regarding the mass and charge of the particles, particularly distinguishing between electrons and protons. The consensus emphasizes that particles can have equal mass but different charges, which affects their motion in a magnetic field. Clarification on the charge signs and velocities of the particles is essential for accurate ranking.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Lorentz force and its application to charged particles in magnetic fields.
  • Familiarity with the formula v=qBr/m for calculating particle velocity in magnetic fields.
  • Knowledge of the properties of charged particles, specifically electrons and protons.
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism, including magnetic field direction and particle motion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of charge sign on particle trajectories in magnetic fields.
  • Study the concept of mass-to-charge ratio in particle physics.
  • Explore the differences between macroscopic and microscopic charged particles.
  • Learn about the applications of the Lorentz force in various physical scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism and particle dynamics, as well as anyone involved in analyzing charged particle behavior in magnetic fields.

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Homework Statement


Five equal-mass particles (A–E) enter a region of uniform magnetic field directed into the page. They follow the trajectories illustrated in the figure.

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Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


i used the formula v=qBr/m
got the following "A,B,C=E,D" apparently this is wrong i do not know why..i find this question contradicting because it says at first "Five equal-mass particles" but the five masses are not the same because the electron is A and proton are the rest. could someone help me
 
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got it . it is not solvable
 
What do you want to rank the particles upon?
 
Last edited:
A charged particle doesn't have to be either an electron or a proton. You can have two particles with equal mass, same magnitude of charge, but different sign of charge, like an electron and a positron (Same mass as an electron, but +e charge)

Or you could be discussing macroscopic particles for that matter, onto which you can impart any charge you'd like.

By the way, what is the question here? What are the charge signs and relative velocities of all the particles?
 

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