Find momentum of particle in B field

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the momentum of a particle in a magnetic field, specifically questioning if methods beyond the cyclotron equation can be used. The Lorentz force law is mentioned as a potential starting point, but the challenge arises from the unknown velocity. It is noted that since the magnetic field and velocity are perpendicular, the particle's speed remains constant while only its direction changes. The magnetic force can be equated to centripetal force to derive momentum in terms of the radius of the particle's circular path. Overall, the conversation explores alternative approaches to solving the problem while confirming the effectiveness of the cyclotron equation.
zezima1
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Homework Statement


The problem statement is on the attached file.


Homework Equations


Lorentz force law maybe.


The Attempt at a Solution


My teacher actually did this, by calculating the radius of the circle that the particle would orbit to find the momentum using the cyclotron equation.
But I would like to ask if there are other methods than just this one. My curiosity comes the fact that since I could remember how my teacher did it, I became curious on whether other approaches to the problem could be taken.
Could you for instance integrate over the force to get the total change in momentum? I tried this but came in trouble, because v is unknown.
So yes, is it possible to do this problem in other ways than using the cyclotron equation?
 

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Hi zezima1. So in the question the B field and velocity are perpendicular, so the force on the charge is always perpendicular to it's velocity, this means the speed will never change, it only changes direction. You can then use that the magnetic force is equivalent to the centripetal force to get an equation for mv (i.e. the momentum) in terms of the radius of the circle the charge goes around. You can get the radius by using the equation for a circle centred at (0,0):
x2+y2=r2
This equation must go through the points (0,-r) and (a,d-r) (I'm just the x-axis as going from left to right and the y-axis upwards). I hope this helps.
 
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