Electrons and Parallel capacitors: after special relativity.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to special relativity, specifically focusing on the behavior of electrons in the context of electric and magnetic forces, as well as parallel capacitors. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the calculations and setup required to analyze the forces acting on an electron.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the conditions under which an electron would not be deflected by electric and magnetic forces. Questions arise about the calculations of these forces and the assumptions behind them, including the use of the right-hand rule and cross products.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on setting up the equations for electric and magnetic forces, suggesting that the original poster should express electric force in terms of voltage and solve for the magnetic field algebraically. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between the forces and the conditions for equilibrium.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of access to teachers and tutors during Spring Break, indicating constraints on obtaining immediate help. There is also a reference to a previous gap in knowledge regarding electromagnetism, which may affect the understanding of the current problem.

elephantorz
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1.
2369912524_fa3aca5cbc_o.jpg




2. Homework Equations : are too big to post here, meaning, I will give you a link to my work:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2369876018_5866bfb312_o.jpg"




3. The Attempt at a Solution : that's above as well, I know what the solution IS, it's at the top righthand corner of the page, boxed in.

I have been looking everywhere for homework help, since I'm doing independent study and my teacher is not always available (it's Spring Break, neither are the tutors).

I'm doing special relativity so far, and now I'm looking at electrons and positrons, parallel capacitors, etc. I have issues specifically with the easy stuff (for some reason I get the hard stuff just fine...).

If you can't read the problem above it let me know I will transcribe it, now, I have worked out that somehow, thanks to the book's example, I have to set up a right triangle. As you can see by my work (ignore the top figurings, that's just me setting up, what you want to look at are the formulas and the stuff that's worked out fully at the end of the page; also I know it's E instead of B in the last equation there, I think I was losing it by that time).

I don't know what I am doing wrong because I am lost in one sense and the book is unhelpful, I just want to understand it so I can move on to other things and other problems, btw this site rules :D.
 
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For the electron not to be deflected, what must the net force on it be?

What's the electric force on the electron?
What's the magnetic force on the electron?
 
Doc Al said:
For the electron not to be deflected, what must the net force on it be?

What's the electric force on the electron?
What's the magnetic force on the electron?

Is it really that simple? I just have to calculate force? Hmm...this does make sense...
 
Yes, it's that simple. Give it another shot.
 
Doc Al said:
Yes, it's that simple. Give it another shot.

Ok, I am assuming I have to use these:

F = qvB

F[E] = qE

But that doesn't exactly work for me, meaning, I get: 5.5544 E-16 for F and 4 E-15 for F[E] (sorry about units it's been about a year since electromagnetism, if anyone is kind enough to let me know what they are I would be grateful, V/m? ) that's nowhere near the final answer if I subtract them from each other assuming that's how I will find the net force.
 
elephantorz said:
Ok, I am assuming I have to use these:

F = qvB

F[E] = qE

Good. (Express E in terms of the voltage.)

But that doesn't exactly work for me, meaning, I get: 5.5544 E-16 for F and 4 E-15 for F[E] (sorry about units it's been about a year since electromagnetism, if anyone is kind enough to let me know what they are I would be grateful, V/m? ) that's nowhere near the final answer if I subtract them from each other assuming that's how I will find the net force.

I have no idea what you're doing here. You have to solve for the B which will make the forces equal (and opposite, of course), so if the forces aren't equal you've done something wrong.

Don't plug in numbers until the last step. Set those forces equal and solve for B algebraically.
 
Doc Al said:
Good. (Express E in terms of the voltage.)I have no idea what you're doing here. You have to solve for the B which will make the forces equal (and opposite, of course), so if the forces aren't equal you've done something wrong.

Don't plug in numbers until the last step. Set those forces equal and solve for B algebraically.

*Smacks forehead* yeah, it's been about two years since electromagnetism for me, it makes sense now, thanks!
 
Wait, why is it out of the page? Right hand rule right? But how is it setup if you're not using a cross-product?
 
Actually you are using a cross product. That magnetic force is really [itex]\vec{F} = q\vec{v}\times\vec{B}[/itex]. (The magnitude is qvB; the direction is given by the right hand rule.)
 
  • #10
Doc Al said:
Actually you are using a cross product. That magnetic force is really [itex]\vec{F} = q\vec{v}\times\vec{B}[/itex]. (The magnitude is qvB; the direction is given by the right hand rule.)

Yes, I know I am, I just wanted to get a picture of it in my head, at any rate, thanks.

Oh, and your help IS appreciated, but I suggest you don't treat people like they're stupid, asking for help doesn't mean someone warrants disrespect, if you didn't mean it to be this way (after all it is the internet) then no offense is taken.
 
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  • #11
Please point out where I gave you "disrespect".
 
  • #12
Doc Al said:
Please point out where I gave you "disrespect".

It's your tone in your writing, if you can't see it you probably didn't mean it, like I said, if you didn't, then no offense is taken.
 

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