How Do You Calculate an Electron's Motion in a Magnetic Field?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating an electron's motion in a magnetic field, specifically focusing on its speed, magnetic field magnitude, circling frequency, and period of motion. The problem is situated within the context of classical mechanics and electromagnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate kinetic energy to velocity but expresses uncertainty about the correct approach. Some participants provide formulas related to kinetic energy and motion in a magnetic field, while others share their own experiences with similar calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some offering guidance on relevant formulas. There is an indication of progress as one participant reports correcting their earlier mistakes in calculations, though no consensus on the overall approach has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions confusion regarding the application of kinetic energy to find velocity, highlighting potential gaps in understanding the relationships between the variables involved in the problem.

exitwound
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Homework Statement



An electron of kinetic energy 1.20keV circles in a plane perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field. The orbit radius is 25.0cm. Find a.) The electron's speed. b.) the magnetic field magnitude c.)the circling frequency, and d) the period of the motion.

Homework Equations



[tex]F=m\frac{v^2}{r}[/tex]
[tex]qvB=m\frac{v^2}{r}[/tex]
[tex]r= \frac{mv}{qB}[/tex]
[tex]T=\frac {2\pi r}{v}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



1.2 keV = 1.92 x10^-16 Joules

I don't know what to do to find the velocity. I know if it's moving, it's kinetic energy can be linked to the velocity somehow. It's acceleration is v^2/r but that's all I know.

Anyone?
 
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k=0.5mv2

you should know that formula
 
That's what I did FIVE TIMES and kept getting the wrong answer. I do it NOW after you've responded and it's correct. I was absolutely sure that .5mv^2 was the right formula to use. I don't know what I was doing wrong.

[itex]1.92x10^{-16}=.5(9.1x10^{-31})(v^2)[/itex]

[itex]v^2=\frac{(1.92x10^{-16})(2)}{(9.1x10^{-31})}[/itex]
[itex]v=2.05x10^7[/itex]

sorry to bug you.
 
oh well :p
 

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