Distance from one period to the next, ##e## in helical path.

  • Thread starter Potatochip911
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In summary, the question asks for the distance at which an electron with initial speed v and angle theta relative to a uniform magnetic field of magnitude B will cross the field again. The solution involves finding the period of the electron's motion, which can be calculated using the equations for magnetic force and time, and then using this period to find the vertical displacement of the electron. In the given solution, there is some confusion about the direction of the magnetic force and the correct value to use for the velocity in the equation. The textbook solution uses an incorrect value for the velocity, while the OP's solution corrects this error.
  • #1
Potatochip911
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Homework Statement


A source injects an electron of speed ##v## into a uniform magnetic field of magnitude ##B##. The velocity of the electron makes an angle ##\theta## with the direction of the magnetic field. Find the distance ##d## from the point of injection at which the electron next crosses the field that passes through the injection point.

Homework Equations


##F_B=m\frac{v^2}{r}##
##T=\frac{2\pi r}{v}##

The Attempt at a Solution



We want to find how much vertical displacement there is in one period essentially. To find ##T## in terms on known quantities:

$$
F_B=q(v\times B)=qvB\sin\theta=\frac{v^2}{r}\Longrightarrow r=\frac{mv}{qB\sin\theta} \\
T=\frac{2\pi r}{v}=\frac{2\pi m}{qB\sin\theta}
$$

Now the vertical displacement would be given by ##v\cdot\cos\theta## multiplied by the time (period in this case) Therefore:
$$
d=v\cos\theta\cdot \frac{2\pi m}{qB\sin\theta}=\frac{2\pi m v \mbox{ cotan }\theta}{qB}
$$

In my solution manual however they have completely neglected ##F_B=q(v\times B)## and just used the result for when ##\theta=90## (##F_B=qvB##), in the textbook the angle given is not equal to 90 so this isn't the case. Is there something I'm missing here or did they solve it incorrectly?

Edit: Some errors in my derivation:

$$F_B=qvB\sin\theta=m\frac{v^2}{r}$$

the velocity ##v^2/r## in this term is the velocity that is perpendicular to the force so it becomes: ##qvB\sin\theta=m\frac{(v\sin\theta)^2}{r}## This solves the problem.
 
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  • #2
Closed: resolved by OP.
 

1. How is the distance from one period to the next determined in a helical path?

The distance from one period to the next in a helical path is determined by the pitch of the helix, which is the distance between one complete turn of the helix. The pitch can be calculated by dividing the circumference of the helix by the number of turns.

2. Does the distance from one period to the next vary in different types of helical paths?

Yes, the distance from one period to the next can vary depending on the type of helical path. For example, in a circular helix, the distance from one period to the next will be equal to the circumference of the helix. In a conical helix, the distance will vary depending on the angle of the cone.

3. How does the distance from one period to the next affect the overall length of a helical path?

The distance from one period to the next is directly proportional to the overall length of a helical path. This means that increasing the distance between periods will result in a longer helical path, while decreasing the distance will result in a shorter helical path.

4. Can the distance from one period to the next be changed in a helical path?

Yes, the distance from one period to the next can be changed in a helical path by adjusting the pitch or changing the type of helix. This can be useful in applications where a specific length or shape of the helical path is required.

5. How does the distance from one period to the next impact the stability of a helical path?

The distance from one period to the next can affect the stability of a helical path by changing the forces acting on the helix. A longer distance between periods can result in higher tension and torsion forces, while a shorter distance can reduce these forces. This must be taken into consideration in the design and construction of helical paths to ensure stability and durability.

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