Cyclotron Radius of Proton: .625m

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the cyclotron radius of a proton moving at 3.0*10^5 m/s in a perpendicular direction to a 5*10^-6T magnetic field. After plugging in the appropriate values, the calculated result is 625.5m. However, there is a discrepancy with the answer given (.625m) and it is suggested that the original magnetic field value may have been intended to be 5*10^-3T instead. The expert confirms that the answer calculated is correct.
  • #1
Noreturn
49
0

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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  • #2
Check the input numbers. The magnetic field looks awfully small for a cyclotron magnet and is close to the Earth's magnetic field.
 
  • #3
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?
 
  • #4
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.
 

1. What is a cyclotron radius?

A cyclotron radius is the distance from the center of a cyclotron to the orbit of a charged particle.

2. How is the cyclotron radius of a proton calculated?

The cyclotron radius of a proton can be calculated using the formula r = mv/qB, where m is the mass of the proton, v is its velocity, q is its charge, and B is the strength of the magnetic field.

3. Why is the cyclotron radius of a proton important?

The cyclotron radius of a proton is important because it helps scientists understand the behavior of charged particles in a magnetic field. It is also used in particle accelerators to control the path of particles.

4. How does the cyclotron radius of a proton compare to other particles?

The cyclotron radius of a proton is smaller than that of heavier particles with the same charge and velocity. This is because the mass of the particle is inversely proportional to its radius in a magnetic field.

5. Can the cyclotron radius of a proton be changed?

Yes, the cyclotron radius of a proton can be changed by altering its velocity, charge, or the strength of the magnetic field it is moving through.

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