Cyclotron Radius of Proton: .625m

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    Cyclotron Radius
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the cyclotron radius of a proton in a magnetic field, specifically focusing on the parameters of velocity and magnetic field strength. The original poster presents a calculation that yields a radius of 625.5 m, while the expected answer is noted as 0.625 m.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the cyclotron radius formula but questions the accuracy of their result in light of the expected answer. Other participants suggest checking the input values, particularly the magnetic field strength, and raise the possibility of an error in the problem statement.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the validity of the input parameters and the potential for a mistake in the problem setup. Some guidance has been offered regarding the magnetic field strength, indicating a possible misunderstanding in the problem's formulation.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted discrepancy in the magnetic field value, which some participants suggest may have been intended to be larger, affecting the outcome of the calculation. The original poster is also questioning the significance of figures in their calculation.

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Homework Statement


The cyclotron radius of a proton moving at 3.0*10^5 m/s perpendicular to a 5*10^-6T magnetic filed is:

Homework Equations


r=mv/qB

The Attempt at a Solution


So plug and chug:

r= (1.6*10^-27)(3*10^5)/(1.602*10^19)(5*10^-6)

r=625.5m

However they have it down as .625m. Where do I get the sig figs wrong at?
 
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Check the input numbers. The magnetic field looks awfully small for a cyclotron magnet and is close to the Earth's magnetic field.
 
I just checked the problem again and looks like I still did it right. Is it maybe just possible they messed up, or is the answer indeed .625?
 
Your answer is right.

The extremely low magnetic field (1/10 the magnetic field of Earth) suggests that they originally wanted to ask about 5*10-3 T and then changed it without changing the answer.
 

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