Electron in a time variable magnetic field

In summary, the electric field around an electron in a solenoid depends on its distance from the center of the solenoid. If all space is filled with dB/dt = b, there isn't a unique solution for the electric field.
  • #1
mahblah
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TL;DR Summary: Find acceleration of electron in dB/dt >0

Hello. Here is a problem that i'm not so sure about:

Inside a solenoid there is a time-dipendent magnetic field B, so we have dB/dt = b (constant).
We want to know the acceleration of an electron:
a) placed in the center of the solenoid
b) displaced of r=2cm from the center


The book report that:
case a)
1682975358661.png

case b)
1682975316898.png

why should be different the result if the electron is placed in the center or in the displaced position? I can always imagine a "virtual circuit". Also, i think the electron "can't know where is placed".
Where am i wrong?
I've tried to solve the exercise by
1682974571374.png

and i know i can get the result in this way:
1682975304519.png

But this requires that "circle" is draw around the center.i could also draw this kind of circle (in orange) and so get a result for the electron in the center.
1682974912138.png


I have tried to find some answer looking for different path inside the solenoid (See below) but i'm not so convinced anyway.
1682975050441.png
Thanks anyone
sorry for the not-so-good post.
 
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  • #2
You've recited that the electric fields depends on the distance from the center. What does that mean for the force on the electron due to the electric field? I don't know what virtual circuits have to do with anything, nor do I understand the comment about the electron not knowing where it is, especially in light of a spatially varying electric field. You can compute the electric field along your shifted loop but it will be more complicated since your choice of coordinates don't match the symmetry of the electric field about the center of the solenoid.
 
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  • #3
You'll need to think about the pattern of electric field lines inside the solenoid.

Note that going from ##\oint \vec E \cdot \vec {ds}## to ##2 \pi r E## requires the following:
(1) ##\vec E## is in the direction of ##\vec {ds}## at each point of the circular path of integration
(2) ##|\vec E|## is constant along the path.

So if you want to use ##\oint \vec E \cdot \vec {ds} =2 \pi r E##, you will need to choose a circular path for which the above two conditions are satisfied.
 
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  • #4
Thanks you both!
I think i've somewhat understand what you mean.

I have a side question, but probably is meaningless:
what can we say about the acceleration of an electron if all space is filled with dB/dt = b > 0 ?
 
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  • #5
mahblah said:
I have a side question, but probably is meaningless:
what can we say about the acceleration of an electron if all space is filled with dB/dt = b > 0 ?
It's a good question. If all space is filled with dB/dt = b, then there isn't a unique solution for the electric field. To get a unique solution, you would need to add some extra information such as a boundary condition or symmetry condition.

The solenoid has rotational symmetry about the axis of the solenoid.
 
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  • #6
Thanks again!
 
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1. What is an electron in a time variable magnetic field?

An electron in a time variable magnetic field refers to the behavior of an electron when it is exposed to a changing magnetic field. This can occur when the strength or direction of the magnetic field changes over time, causing the electron to experience a force and move in a specific direction.

2. How does a time variable magnetic field affect an electron?

A time variable magnetic field can affect an electron by exerting a force on it, causing it to move in a specific direction. The strength and direction of the force depends on the strength and direction of the magnetic field, as well as the velocity and charge of the electron.

3. What is the equation for calculating the force on an electron in a time variable magnetic field?

The equation for calculating the force on an electron in a time variable magnetic field is F = qvBsinθ, where F is the force, q is the charge of the electron, v is the velocity of the electron, B is the magnetic field strength, and θ is the angle between the velocity and the magnetic field.

4. How does the motion of an electron in a time variable magnetic field differ from a constant magnetic field?

In a time variable magnetic field, the direction and strength of the magnetic field is changing, which leads to a changing force on the electron and a curved path of motion. In a constant magnetic field, the force and direction on the electron remains the same, leading to a circular motion.

5. What are some real-life applications of studying the behavior of electrons in time variable magnetic fields?

Studying the behavior of electrons in time variable magnetic fields has many practical applications, such as in particle accelerators, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and in the development of new technologies such as magnetic storage devices and sensors. It also helps us better understand the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and the behavior of matter at a microscopic level.

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