Electron Through a Magnetic Field

AI Thread Summary
An electron traveling North at 8.9x10^6 m/s enters a magnetic field of 0.069 T pointing East. The Lorentz force acting on the electron is directed vertically upwards, indicating that the electron's orbit will lie in a vertical plane. This plane is aligned with the North-South axis, as the centripetal force acts towards the center of the orbit. The discussion confirms that the electron will not orbit horizontally but rather in a vertical orientation. Understanding the interaction between the electron's motion and the magnetic field is crucial for determining its path.
Jimbo57
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Homework Statement


An electron traveling North with a speed of 8.9x10^6 m/s enters a magnetic field of strength 0.069 T pointing East.

In what plane (upward and North-South, upward and East-West, or horizontal) does the electron's orbit lie?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Since it's an electron, I would normally use the left hand rule to determine the direction of the force acting on the electron which would be upwards. I just don't understand my options. Since it's already traveling along the North-South, would the magnetic force cause the electron to orbit vertically along the North-South since the force is always centripetal? That's what I would guess, but I'm not very confident with that answer.
 
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Your analysis looks okay. As you say, the Lorentz force on the electron will (initially) point vertically upwards. Since centripetal force points towards the center of the orbit, the center lies in a vertical plane containing (or at least parallel to) the N/S axis.
 
Thank you for confirming gneill!
 

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