Magnetic fields and Circular Orbits Question

AI Thread Summary
An electron is accelerated through a potential difference of 500V and completes half a revolution in a magnetic field in 2 ns. To find the radius of the orbit and the magnetic field, the kinetic energy gained from the potential difference is equated to the magnetic force acting on the electron. The calculations involve using the formulas for kinetic energy, magnetic force, and centripetal force. The resulting magnetic field of 16.4 T, while seemingly large, is not unusual for laboratory settings. The discussion emphasizes the integration of concepts from circular motion, work and energy, and electrodynamics without the need for literal mathematical integration.
Sam_The_Great
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Hi, does anybody know what approach to take with the following problem.

An electron is accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 500V, then injected into a uniform magnetic field. Once in the magnetic field, it completes half a revolution in 2 ns. What is the radius of the orbit? And what is the magnetic field?

Thanks.
 
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You'll need to know several things. First, how fast is that electron going when it enters the magnetic field? (Think potential energy changing to kinetic: q\Delta V = 1/2 mv^2.) Then you'll need to combine your knowledge of the magnetic force on a moving charge (F = qvB, assuming the field is perpendicular to the velocity) and centripetal force (F = mv^2/r = m\omega^2 r). Good luck!
 
Thanks you, I think I got the right answer, my magnetic field is just a little huge, like 16.4 T which just doesn't seem right, but I took the approach you put and also since T = 2pir/v and we know how long it took to complete half a revolution, I solved it. Thanks again Doc.
 
The question may have been designed to test your ability to integrate circular motion, work and energy and electrodynamics. So the large answer may not be a major factor...

Cheers
Vivek
 
Thanks for the assurance vivek. Did I need to integrate? I found the radius from the amount of time it took to complete half a circle. I found the velocity from change in voltage(charge) = 1/2 mv^2. and then I found the mag field from r =vm/qB. That's the correct approach to take right?

Thanks.
 
Did I need to integrate?

Integration wasn't involved in the problem. I think he meant it in a literal rather than mathematical sense.
 
Yeah,

I meant integration of various topics/ideas of physics...as Gza understood correctly :smile:

Cheers
Vivek
 
16T magnets are quite common...why we have a couple in my lab.
 
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