How Are Cathode Rays Deflected by Current-Carrying Wires?

AI Thread Summary
When electrons in a cathode-ray tube are aimed parallel to a nearby current-carrying wire, they experience deflection due to the magnetic field generated by the current. The right-hand rule helps determine the direction of the magnetic field and the resulting Lorentz force acting on the electrons. Understanding the Lorentz force is crucial, as it explains how the magnetic field interacts with the moving electrons, causing deflection. An opposite reactive force also plays a role in pushing the electrons away from the wire. This interaction highlights the principles of electromagnetism in action.
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Homework Statement


A cathode-ray tube aims electrons parallel to a nearby wire that carries current in the same direction. What will happen to the cathode rays in terms of deflection?

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]The Motor force deflects the cathode rays ?
upload_2014-12-16_20-32-35.png
 
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randomstu1997 said:

Homework Statement


A cathode-ray tube aims electrons parallel to a nearby wire that carries current in the same direction. What will happen to the cathode rays in terms of deflection?

The Attempt at a Solution


The Motor force deflects the cathode rays ?
View attachment 76670

Your picture doesn't match the question (coil versus parallel wire). Can you please check that?
 
Sorry. Then let's say a steady beam of electrons move parallel to the wire carrying current. Then what happens? Thanks
 
Yeah, that matches your problem statement better. :-)

So what do you think? Think about the right hand rule -- what does the B-field look like around the wire? And again use the right hand rule to figure out the Lorentz force on the e-beam from that B-field. Are you familiar with the vector force equation Lorentz force?
 
The B-field meets 90 degrees to the electron. I am not familiar with lorentz force.
 
randomstu1997 said:
The B-field meets 90 degrees to the electron. I am not familiar with lorentz force.

Well, you need to understand the Lorentz force to answer this question. Please re-check your textbook or use a Google or Wikipedia search. Please let us know what you find.
 
Ok I think I got it. According to wikipedia, there must be an opposite reactive force to the force produced by lorentz equation[PLAIN]http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/1/1/7/117693a4a6d55502f66788d04f156c72.png. This opposite reactive force pushes the electron away. Am I right?
 
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