Magnetic Field Mass Spectrometer Calculations

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a magnetic field mass spectrometer problem involving the calculation of magnetic field intensity based on the radius of curvature of a proton's path. Participants clarify that the magnetic force provides the centripetal force, leading to the equation Bqv = mv²/r. The key challenge is determining the velocity (v) of the proton, which can be derived from the energy conservation principle or previous calculations. The final calculation for the magnetic field strength (B) is presented as approximately 4.80x10^-3, but there is uncertainty about how to derive the velocity independently. The conversation emphasizes a desire for a deeper understanding of classical physics concepts related to charge and momentum.
AceInfinity
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Here's a practice diploma question I found on the internet, this isn't homework. I'm studying, I just need help on how to do this type of question.

http://www.paulway.com/physics30/p30dips/p30jan2002.pdf (Page 11 Numerical Response #5)
Answer: 4.80x10^-3

Homework Statement



In the magnetic field mass spectrometer shown, the radius of curvature
of a proton’s path is 3.00 m. What is the magnetic field intensity?

Homework Equations



I'm guessing this one, but I don't see how radius would be added to solve it.
[PLAIN]http://k.min.us/idLl6m.png

The Attempt at a Solution



I couldn't even attempt this one, sorry, I tried, but maybe I have the wrong equation? I've posted other questions, but as I was reviewing I understand that I never really knew how to do this kind of problem. So for anyone to help me starting with the basics, would be helpful as any help at all is highly appreciated.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Well the magnetic field is going to cause the proton to move in a circular path.

So the magnetic force provides the centripetal force mv2/r. So equate that to BQv and solve for B.
 
alright, so I have this:

mv2/r
= (1.67x10-27kg)(v2)/(3.00m)

How do I solve for v in either equation when I don't have the Fm?
 
AceInfinity said:
alright, so I have this:

mv2/r
= (1.67x10-27kg)(v2)/(3.00m)

How do I solve for v in either equation when I don't have the Fm?

Because you will have

mv2/r = Bqv

so you can get v.
 
Ahh, thanks, I'm going to try that...

... > v = qBr/m

v = (1.60x10-19)(B)(3.00m)/(1.67x10-27kg)

What exactly is B though in this equation? How do I get it
 
Still requesting some help on this one. At this point I'm at a loss for how to solve this kind of problem at all. Sorry for being so impatient, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can for today about classical physics involving charge, momentum, mainly.

I know that the curvature of the proton's path is due to the inertia of the proton having a mass of 1.67x10-27kg

I forgot to add in, that the voltage between the 2 first plates that the proton passes through is 1.00x104 Volts.
 
Last edited:
AceInfinity said:
Ahh, thanks, I'm going to try that...

... > v = qBr/m

v = (1.60x10-19)(B)(3.00m)/(1.67x10-27kg)

What exactly is B though in this equation? How do I get it

B is the magnetic field strength, which is what you are looking for.

AceInfinity said:
Still requesting some help on this one. At this point I'm at a loss for how to solve this kind of problem at all. Sorry for being so impatient, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can for today about classical physics involving charge, momentum, mainly.

I know that the curvature of the proton's path is due to the inertia of the proton having a mass of 1.67x10-27kg

I forgot to add in, that the voltage between the 2 first plates that the proton passes through is 1.00x104 Volts.

You were told you to use the value of 'v' from the question before.

From Bq=mv/r you need to rearrange for B and you have m=1.67(10-27) kg.

(If you did not do the part before to get v, you should consider conservation of energy for that.)
 
Alright I got it:

B = [mv/r] ÷ q
B = [(1.67x10-27)(1.38x106)/(3.00m)] ÷ 1.60x10-19
B = 4.8012...x10-3

However I just took the answer of the velocity from the answer key. I'm not quite sure how to solve for velocity in this case. If that could be the second (should have been the first) part of this thread?
 
That should be correct now.
 

Similar threads

Back
Top