Determine type of particle emitted from decay?

AI Thread Summary
A Phosphorous-34 decay emits a particle, and a JJ Thomson experiment is used to determine its charge-to-mass ratio. The particle remains undeflected in perpendicular magnetic and electric fields, allowing calculations of its velocity and mass. The charge-to-mass ratio is derived from the relationship between magnetic and centripetal forces, yielding a value similar to that of an electron. However, to conclusively identify the particle type, knowledge of its mass in kilograms is necessary. The discussion emphasizes the importance of accurate units and calculations in particle identification.
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Homework Statement


A Phosphorous 34 decays and emits a particle. A JJ Thomson experiment is done to find out the charge to mass ratio of this particle. The particle moves undeflected through mutually perpendicular magnetic and electric fields of 2.00 x 10-3 T and 1.08 x 104 N/C, respectively. When the electric field is turned off, the particle deflects to a radius of 1.53x10-2m. Determine the type of particle emitted.

Homework Equations


Fe = electric Force
Fm = Magnetic Force
Fc= centripetal Force
B=Magnetic Field
r=radius of curvature
m=mass
v=velocity
E=Electric Field
q=charge of particle

Fe= qE
Fm=qvB
Fc=mv2/r

When the electric field is turned off we know that Fm=Fc
Because the particle is undeflected, we know that Fe=Fm

The Attempt at a Solution


To find the v of this particle, we can manipulate the formual of Fe=Fm into:
E=vB
v=(E/B)

To find the mass of the particle we can manipulate the formual of Fm=Fc into:
m= (Fc x r)/v2

So, i figured out the velocity and mass of the particle, and now I am trying to determine the type of particle emitted. Am i able to do this using mass only? Or should I try and find the charge of the particle, and if so how?

Thanks
 
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You have no info to help you find the charge. So you are restricted to the type of particle (pion, muon, Kaon, electron/positron), just like the exercise text puts it.
 
BvU said:
You have no info to help you find the charge. So you are restricted to the type of particle (pion, muon, Kaon, electron/positron), just like the exercise text puts it.
Would i be able to manipulate Fm=Fc to find q (the charge).
qvB=mv2/r
q=(mv)/(rB)
?
 
If you have the direction of ##\vec B##, ##\vec v## and know which way it deflects, yes. But you don't.
 
BvU said:
If you have the direction of ##\vec B##, ##\vec v## and know which way it deflects, yes. But you don't.

Alright. I figure the charge to mass ratio should be:
Fm=Fc
qvB = (mv2)/r
(q/m)=v/(Br)
When i crunch the numbers I get an answer of 1.7647 x 10 11
Same as an electron..what do you think of this?
 
Crunching numbers gives a number. But you need a mass. In kilograms, preferably (not in stones, lbs or that kind of stuff).

Pretty heavy electrons ! perhaps ##10^{-11}## (if the 'number' is in kilograms) ?

:wink:

But I think you are doing fine. Click 34P in this table to see the decay mode...[edit] Oops I forgot, ##m_e = 9.10938291 × 10^{-31}## kilograms ??

[edit] Oops2 I remember the value of e/m in C/kg is the same as your number, that's a lot better !
 
BvU said:
Crunching numbers gives a number. But you need a mass. In kilograms, preferably (not in stones, lbs or that kind of stuff).

Pretty heavy electrons ! perhaps ##10^{-11}## (if the 'number' is in kilograms) ?

:wink:

But I think you are doing fine. Click 34P in this table to see the decay mode...[edit] Oops I forgot, ##m_e = 9.10938291 × 10^{-31}## kilograms ??

[edit] Oops2 I remember the value of e/m in C/kg is the same as your number, that's a lot better !
Sorry I should have included the units in my ratio. Awesome. Thank you for the help.
 
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