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

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around the creation of an electric field in a bar due to electrons being deflected by an external magnetic field, as presented in an AP Physics C E&M exam question. The user initially struggles with understanding the direction of the electric field created by the deflected electrons and the balance of forces described in the answer key. Key concepts include the application of the right-hand rule and the equations F = qE and F = qvB, which are essential for analyzing the forces acting on charged particles in electromagnetic fields. Ultimately, the user concludes that the electric field points upwards, as it balances the magnetic force when the system reaches equilibrium.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic forces, specifically Lorentz force.
  • Familiarity with the right-hand rule for determining force directions.
  • Knowledge of electric fields and their relationship with charged particles.
  • Basic proficiency in using equations F = qE and F = qvB.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Lorentz force law in detail to understand the interaction between electric and magnetic fields.
  • Learn about electric field generation by moving charges, focusing on the concept of induced electric fields.
  • Explore the concept of equilibrium in electromagnetic systems to grasp how forces balance out.
  • Review AP Physics C E&M exam resources for additional practice problems and solutions.
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for AP Physics C E&M exams, educators teaching electromagnetic theory, and anyone interested in the practical applications of electric and magnetic fields in physics.

jdc15
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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!
 
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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).
 

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