Determine type of particle emitted from decay?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the decay of Phosphorous-34 and the identification of the emitted particle based on experimental observations involving electric and magnetic fields. Participants are exploring the relationship between the charge, mass, and velocity of the particle to determine its type.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the velocity and mass of the emitted particle using the forces acting on it. They question whether mass alone is sufficient to identify the particle type or if charge must also be considered.
  • Some participants suggest that without charge information, the identification is limited to certain particle types, while others explore the possibility of calculating charge using the relationship between forces.
  • Further discussion includes the need for directionality of the magnetic field and velocity to determine charge definitively.
  • One participant calculates the charge-to-mass ratio and compares it to known values for electrons, questioning the implications of their findings.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing insights and calculations. There is a recognition of the limitations in the available information, particularly regarding charge. Some participants express encouragement regarding the calculations being made, while others highlight the need for clarity in units and values.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of certain information, such as the charge of the particle and its direction of deflection, which affects the ability to fully resolve the problem. There is also mention of specific particle types that may be relevant to the discussion.

bob dobilina
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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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