Kinetic Energy's Effect on Electron's Radius in Magnetic Field

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the new radius of an electron's circular path in a magnetic field when its kinetic energy is doubled. The relevant formulas include the centripetal force equation, Fnet = ma, and the magnetic force equation, Fb = mv²/r. By manipulating these equations, particularly focusing on how kinetic energy relates to velocity and radius, one can derive the new radius based on the increased kinetic energy. The key takeaway is that doubling the kinetic energy results in an increase in the radius of the electron's path.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically circular motion and magnetic fields.
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion, particularly Fnet = ma and Fb = mv²/r.
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy and its relationship to velocity.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between kinetic energy and velocity in circular motion.
  • Learn how to derive the radius of an electron's path in a magnetic field using the formula r = mv/qB.
  • Explore the implications of changing kinetic energy on motion in magnetic fields.
  • Investigate the concept of mass spectrum and its relevance to charged particles in magnetic fields.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone preparing for exams related to electromagnetism and particle motion in magnetic fields.

mirandab17
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
An electron moves in a circular orbit of radius r in a magnetic field. The electron moves in a path perpendicular to the magnetic field. If the kinetic energy of the electron is doubled, what is the new radius of its path?

What formula would I use to go about this? Is this about mass spectrum? So I would go about using Fnet=ma, and then Fb (of a single charge) = mv^2/r.
So Bvq = mv^2/r... then where?

Please help! Test tomorrow! :(
 
Physics news on Phys.org
mirandab17 said:
An electron moves in a circular orbit of radius r in a magnetic field. The electron moves in a path perpendicular to the magnetic field. If the kinetic energy of the electron is doubled, what is the new radius of its path?

What formula would I use to go about this? Is this about mass spectrum? So I would go about using Fnet=ma, and then Fb (of a single charge) = mv^2/r.
So Bvq = mv^2/r... then where?

Please help! Test tomorrow! :(

Sure, you're on the right track. Use that to solve for r first. Then think about which quantity in the equation for the radius will change if the kinetic energy is doubled, and figure out how much it will be changed by.
 

Similar threads

Magnetic field due to a coil wound on a hemsiphere
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
922
Why does a diamagnetic rod align perpendicular to a magnetic field?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
The acceleration of protons using a changing magnetic field
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Why is magnetic field B along a straight wire circular not radial?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Can anyone help with this magnetism problem?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Find the equation of this magnetic field
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Why is a current ring approx a magnetic dipole from very far off?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Electron enters magnetic field at 5000V -- What's the radius?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Angle of deviation from a magnetic field
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Magnetic field pointing into a normal magnetized compass needle
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K