Electric field created in a bar by electrons deflected in a magnetic field

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around understanding the electric field generated in a bar due to electrons deflected by a magnetic field, based on a sample AP Physics C E&M exam question. The initial confusion arises from the direction of the electric field created by the deflected electrons, with the poster initially believing it points downward, while the answer key states it points upward. Clarification is provided that as electrons accumulate at the top of the bar, the resulting electric field indeed points upward, balancing the forces at equilibrium. The poster also seeks to understand why the electric force balances the magnetic force, which is key to the problem's solution. Ultimately, the poster resolves their confusion, recognizing the interplay between the electric and magnetic fields in achieving equilibrium.
jdc15
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone, first post here. Not sure if I'm posting in the right place but here goes. This question is from a sample AP Physics C E&M exam. It's kind of hard to explain without a diagram so I'll link to the exam:

Here is the link: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap09_frq_physics_cem.pdf"
Answer Key: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap09_physics_c_e_and_m_sgs.pdf"

Homework Statement


It's E&M #2 parts e and f. Starting with this: "The electrons moving through the bar are initially deflected by the external magnetic field. On the diagram below, indicate the direction of the additional electric field that is created in the bar by the deflected electrons." See the link. I understand up to part d but I'm stuck here.


Homework Equations


For part e, its more of a qualitative analysis using the right hand rule (I think). For part f, they use F = qE and F = qvB in the answer key but I'm not entirely sure why that is or how they get that solution.


The Attempt at a Solution


For part e, looking at the diagram, conventional current flows from a to b. Thus, electrons should flow from b to a. From the right hand rule, with the magnetic field running into the page, the force on the electrons should push them upwards. Thus, I get the electric field to be pointing downwards since electrons are negatively charged. However, the answer key says upwards. I have a feeling this has something to do with the electrons not actually causing the field or something like that.

For part f, well, I'm not quite sure where to begin. Why does the electric force balance the magnetic force as stated in the answer key?

It would be great if you could provide a link where I could read up on this.

Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Never mind I figured it out. Since electrons are pushed to the top of the bar, the electric field pulls upwards. After they reach equilibrium, new flowing electrons will have to balance out the magnetic field and the electric field thus causing no net vertical force or movement (on average).
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
Back
Top