How Many Electrons in a High-Speed Beam at Stanford Linear Accelerator?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the number of electrons in a high-speed beam at the Stanford Linear Accelerator, specifically within the SPEAR storage ring, which has a diameter of 72.0 meters and a circulating current of 20.0 A. To find the number of electrons, one must first determine the average time taken for an electron to traverse the circumference of the ring and then multiply this time by the current to obtain the total charge in coulombs. This approach provides a clear method for quantifying the number of electrons in the beam.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric current and charge (Coulombs)
  • Basic knowledge of circular motion and circumference calculation
  • Familiarity with the concept of relativistic speeds
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and calculations involving time and charge
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the circumference of the SPEAR storage ring using the formula C = πd
  • Learn about the relationship between current, charge, and time in electrical circuits
  • Explore the principles of relativistic physics as they apply to high-speed particles
  • Investigate methods for measuring electron beams in particle accelerators
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying particle physics or accelerator technology will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in high-speed electron beams and their properties.

nautica
I don't even know where to begin on this one.

SPEAR, a storage ring about 72.0 m in diamter at the Stanford Linear Accelorator, has a 20.0 A circulating beam of electrons that are moving at nearly the speed of light. How many electrons are in the beam?

My thoughts, hmmmm. Nothing I can think of even makes sense. If they are traveling near the speed of light then they must be only moving in one direction and not at random, the only way this could happen is if the size of the storage ring were the size of an electron, but since there is not a known size of an electron this does me no good.

Go ahead tell me I'm an idiot, but could you help me along the way.

thanks
Nautica
 
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You may be an idiot. :wink:

Current is defined as the amount of charge that pass a certain point in one second, correct?

What you need to do is to calculate the average time taken for an electron to traverse the circumference of the ring, and then multiply by current to get charge in coulombs. Easy going from then on.
 
Thanks

I'll try that

Nautica
 

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