Electron's path in uniform magnetic field? Help, please

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the behavior of an electron moving through three horizontal regions with uniform magnetic fields, where areas 1 and 3 have magnetic fields directed into the page, and area 2 has a field directed out of the page. The key equation governing the electron's motion is F = qvB sin theta, indicating that the force is dependent on the charge, velocity, and magnetic field strength. The participants confirm that the electron follows a circular path due to the perpendicular nature of the magnetic fields to its velocity vector, raising questions about whether the radius of this path changes across the different regions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, specifically Lorentz force.
  • Familiarity with the equation F = qvB sin theta.
  • Knowledge of circular motion principles in physics.
  • Basic concepts of magnetic fields and their orientation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the implications of varying magnetic field strengths on electron trajectories.
  • Study the effects of magnetic field direction changes on charged particle motion.
  • Learn about the relationship between velocity, radius, and centripetal force in circular motion.
  • Investigate the applications of electron motion in magnetic fields in devices like cyclotrons.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in the dynamics of charged particles in magnetic fields.

fatcat39
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Homework Statement


There are three horizontal areas side by side - a completely uniform area. Areas 1 and 3, the magnetic fields are going into the page and area 2's field is going out of the page. An electron enters area 2 (the middle region). What is its path?


Homework Equations



F = qvB sin theta

The Attempt at a Solution



I know it's a circular path - what I was wondering was, since in regions 1,2, and 3 the magnetic fields are all perpendicular to the velocity vector of the electron (and therefore theta stays the same), does the circular path change in any way throughout the regions?
 
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fatcat39 said:
I know it's a circular path - what I was wondering was, since in regions 1,2, and 3 the magnetic fields are all perpendicular to the velocity vector of the electron (and therefore theta stays the same), does the circular path change in any way throughout the regions?
Are you sure the angle between the magnetic field and velocity remains the same?
 

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