Electric Charge in a Magnetic Field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a particle of mass m and charge q moving in a circular path within a magnetic field B. The original poster attempts to demonstrate that the kinetic energy of the particle is proportional to the square of the radius of curvature of its path.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster begins with the definition of kinetic energy and relates it to the forces acting on the particle. They express uncertainty about their reasoning and seek guidance on their approach. Other participants question the relationship between the magnetic field strength and distance, and whether the constancy of B implies a constant radius r.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the relationships between kinetic energy, radius, and magnetic field strength. Some guidance has been offered regarding the forces involved in circular motion, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of the magnetic field being a function of radius and the conditions necessary for uniform circular motion. There is a focus on the definitions and relationships between the variables involved.

Soaring Crane
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1) For a particle of mass m and a charge of q moving in a circular path in a magnetic field B, show that its kinetic energy is proportional to r^2, the square of the radius of the curvature of the path.

I started off with the definition of KE: (mv)^2/2 and the fact that a = v^2/r, where F = m(v^2/r).

Then, I thought;

mv^2 = 2*KE and mv^2 = F*r so r = (2KE)/F so r^2 = (4KE^2)/ F^2, but this is probably wrong. What should I do if so?

Thanks.
 
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What do you know about the strength of magnetic fields in relation to distance R?
 
If B is constant, then r is constant??
 
Well typically one would say that backwards, since B is a function of r. What is B as a function of R?

What does B have to be equal to to put the particle in uniform circular motion? Think about the force involved in circular motion, and the force of a magnetic field.
 
Soaring Crane said:
1) For a particle of mass m and a charge of q moving in a circular path in a magnetic field B, show that its kinetic energy is proportional to r^2, the square of the radius of the curvature of the path.

I started off with the definition of KE: (mv)^2/2 and the fact that a = v^2/r, where F = m(v^2/r).

Then, I thought;

mv^2 = 2*KE and mv^2 = F*r so r = (2KE)/F so r^2 = (4KE^2)/ F^2, but this is probably wrong. What should I do if so?

Thanks.
Remember:
F=mv²/r
and F=Bqv

also v=(2pi.r)/t
 

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