Electron in a magnetic field statements

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a beam of electrons moving through a uniform magnetic field and requires participants to evaluate the truth of several statements regarding energy, centripetal force, radius of motion, and work done by the magnetic field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the nature of the work done by the magnetic field, with one noting that the force is perpendicular to motion, leading to the conclusion that no work is done. Others agree and reiterate the correctness of specific statements based on this reasoning.

Discussion Status

There is a consensus among several participants that statements C and D are correct, although the original poster expresses confusion regarding the answer key. The discussion reflects an exploration of the implications of the magnetic force on the electron's motion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the assumption that the magnetic field is uniform and that the motion of the electrons is perpendicular to the field. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between force, work, and energy in this context.

Saitama
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Homework Statement


A beam of electrons moving with a momentum p enters a uniform magnetic field of flux density B perpendicular to its motion. Which of the following statement(s) is (are) true?

A)Energy gained is ##p^2/2m##
B)Centripetal force on the electron is ##Bem/p##
C)Radius of the electron's path is ##p/(Be)##
D)Work done on the electrons by the magnetic field is zero.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


The force due to magnetic field on an electron is always perpendicular to the motion and hence does no work on it. So D) is correct. Since no work is done, no energy is gained and A) is eliminated.

[tex]\because \frac{mv^2}{r}=evB \Rightarrow r=\frac{mv}{eB}=\frac{p}{eB}[/tex]
where r is the radius of electron's path and hence C) is correct. From the above equation, mv^2/r represents the centripetal force. It is equal to eBp/m and B) also eliminates. Therefore, the statements which are true are C) and D) but the answer key states that it is C). :confused:
 
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I agree with you ! I would say C and D are correct
 
technician said:
I agree with you ! I would say C and D are correct

Thanks technician for the check. :)
 
Yup, it is C and D. Work done = evB.dScosθ
θ here, = 90. Hence it IS C and D.
 

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