Electron speed due to magnetic field.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of electrons moving in a circular path within a magnetic field. A participant expresses confusion regarding the units of the magnetic field strength, which is given as 10 MN/C, and questions its validity since magnetic fields are typically measured in tesla. Clarifications are provided about the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in different unit systems, particularly the CGS system, where both can share the same units. The conversation emphasizes the need to convert the magnetic field strength to tesla for proper application of the Lorentz force equation. Ultimately, understanding these unit conversions is essential for solving the problem accurately.
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Homework Statement



electrons emitted by a certain device are observed to travel in a circular path with a radius of 2.0cm when plaves in a uniform magnetic field whose strength is 10MN/C. What is the speed of the elctrons emitted by this device?

Homework Equations


I know that 10MN/C is "b-bar" as it is called in the book. But I'm not sure what equation to use.

The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted to use the equation Fm=q(velocity/c x B)... but I am not sure what to use for the magnetic force.
 
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im not really sure about it , but i think that since these electrons are moving in a circular path in a uniform magnetic field , then using Newton's 2nd Law :

qvB = m v^2/R
 
Yes, the magnetic force provides the necessary centripetal force for the circular motion of the electrons.

Fm = q (v X B) = m*v2 / r
Don't really know much about b-bar. The units should be either Tesla or Gauss.
 
sArGe99 said:
Yes, the magnetic force provides the necessary centripetal force for the circular motion of the electrons.

Fm = q (v X B) = m*v2 / r
Don't really know much about b-bar. The units should be either Tesla or Gauss.

I believe that if the given value 10MN/C ( 10 mega Newton per coulomb) , then this given value is the electric field (E) ..
 
the B-bar is measured in tesla. and if the electric field vector is the one that is given, how do I find the magnetic field in order to use the equation Fm=mv^2/B if i am trying to solve for v??
 
In your question, it said that "uniform magnetic field whose strength is 10MN/C" but for me that doesn't make sense? how it is a magnetic field with this unit, I know that it should be tesla, weber per meter square or volt.second per meter square but not Newton per coulomb ? can you please check the question once more ?
 
The magnetic field for B-Bar is definitely 10MN/C
the book says that vector B is in units of tesla which is: (N/C)(m/s^-1)
 
I don't really get you! what B-Bar supposed to mean is it the same as B?? and what is M(in 10 MN/c) ? , I am sorry if I can't be helpful but if you could clarify these questions then I may can help ..
 
  • #10
RoyalCat said:
Are you working in CGS units by any chance?
In that case, refer to this wiki page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorentz_force#Lorentz_force_in_cgs_units

This makes sense in terms of magnitude too, since B fields are usually only a fraction of a Tesla in strength, whilst here the numerical value for the field is on the order of 10^7!

I have checked the link you provided, but I can't see where it mentions that both E and B can be expressed in N/C unit? and I don't think that is possible for two different quantities to have the same units even if different system ..

If it is really mentioned somewhere then I apologize , and please quote from where it is mentioned .. & thanks
 
  • #11
thebigstar25 said:
I have checked the link you provided, but I can't see where it mentions that both E and B can be expressed in N/C unit? and I don't think that is possible for two different quantities to have the same units even if different system ..

If it is really mentioned somewhere then I apologize , and please quote from where it is mentioned .. & thanks

That is the whole point of the CGS system. :) \vec B is defined differently there, so that \vec B and \vec E have the same units. The Lorentz force in CGS units would be:

\vec F=q(\vec E+\frac{\vec v}{c} \times \vec B)

See the link for the exact transformations in going from one unit of measurement to the other.
 
  • #12
hmmm I have never encounter this before .. thanks for bringing this up :) .. and I hope that sarahaha288 would be able now to solve the problem , it is just converting back B to tesla and then substituting in qvB = m v^2/R to get v ..
 
  • #13
thanks so much! that helped alot.
 
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