Electron in magnetic field, quick fix

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SUMMARY

An electron with a speed of 3.7e5 m/s enters a magnetic field of 0.042 T at a 39-degree angle, resulting in a helical trajectory. The formula for the radius of the helical path is given by r = (mv)/(qBsin(39)). Using the mass (m = 9.109e-31 kg) and charge (q = 1.602e-19 C) of the electron, the incorrect radius of 7.906e-5 m was calculated instead of the correct radius of 3.1e-5 m. The discrepancy arises from misunderstanding the relationship between the total speed and the speed along the circular projection of the helical path.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics, specifically circular motion.
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic theory, particularly the Lorentz force.
  • Knowledge of the properties of electrons, including mass and charge.
  • Basic trigonometry to resolve angles in physics equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the Lorentz force and its application to charged particles in magnetic fields.
  • Study the concept of helical motion in electromagnetism and its mathematical representation.
  • Learn about the relationship between linear and circular velocities in helical paths.
  • Explore the effects of varying magnetic field strengths on charged particle trajectories.
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Physics students, educators, and professionals working in fields related to electromagnetism, particularly those studying particle dynamics in magnetic fields.

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An electron with speed of 3.7e5 m/s enters a uniform magnetic field of magnitude 0.042 T at an angle 39 degrees to magnetic field lines. The electron will follow a helical path.

Determine the radius of the helical path.

F = (mv^2)/r
F = vq * Bsin(39)
set F's equal and solve for r


r = (mv)/(qBsin(39))


I solved this using
m = 9.109e-31 kg
q = 1.602e-19 C

the answer i got was 7.906e-5 m
the correct answer is 3.1e-5 m

can someone show me what I am doing wrong?
 
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The electron moves along a helical path. The projection of this path in the plane which is normal to B is a circle. The speed along this circle is not the same as the total speed of the electron.

ehild
 

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