Find momentum of particle in B field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the momentum of a charged particle in a magnetic field (B field) using the cyclotron equation. Participants confirm that the Lorentz force law can be applied, emphasizing that the magnetic force acts as centripetal force, maintaining the particle's speed while changing its direction. Alternative methods, such as integrating the force to determine momentum, are explored but deemed complex due to the unknown velocity. The consensus is that using the radius of the circular path is the most straightforward approach to derive momentum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Lorentz force law
  • Familiarity with cyclotron motion and the cyclotron equation
  • Basic knowledge of centripetal force concepts
  • Ability to work with equations of circular motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the cyclotron equation in detail
  • Learn how to apply the Lorentz force law to different scenarios
  • Explore integration techniques for calculating momentum in varying force fields
  • Investigate the relationship between magnetic fields and circular motion in charged particles
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in classical mechanics and electromagnetism, particularly those studying the behavior of charged particles in magnetic fields.

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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