Magnetic force Particle trajectory

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a charged particle moving through a uniform magnetic field between two plates, specifically focusing on calculating the distance from the left end of the plate to the point where the particle strikes. The subject area relates to electromagnetism and particle motion in magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the trajectory of the particle and the forces acting on it, with some suggesting that the particle follows a circular path due to the magnetic field. There are attempts to derive the distance using different approaches, including kinematic equations and circular motion concepts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and clarifying assumptions about the direction of forces and the geometry involved. Some guidance has been provided regarding the calculation methods, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the specific distance being measured and the reference points on the plate. Participants are also questioning the validity of certain calculations and their relationships to the problem setup.

arierreF
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Homework Statement



A particle of charge −q is moving with a velocity \vec{v}. It then enters midway between two plates where there exists a uniform magnetic field pointing into the page, as shown in attached image.

1.png
(b) Compute the distance between the left end of the plate and where the particle strikes

Homework Equations



\vec{F_{B}} = q\vec{v}\times\vec{B}

The Attempt at a Solution



I discovered that the charged particle is going to be deflected downward. Then it is going to strike the bottom plate before leaving the region between two plates. So the distance between the end of the bottom plate and where the particle strikes is what this problem is asking for.

See the following attached image.
2.png
y = yo -\frac{1}{2}at^{2}

y = 0 because it strikes the end of the plate.
y_{0} = \frac{d}{2}

so t = \sqrt{da}

\vec{F_{B}} = q\vec{v}\times\vec{B}

to find the magnitude of acceleration:ma = qvB

a = \frac{qvB}{m}

then t = \sqrt{d\frac{qvB}{m}}

x = x_{0} + v_{0}t

x_{0} = 0

x= v_{0}t

because v_{0} = v

x = v\sqrt{d\frac{qvB}{m}}Then the distance is l- v\sqrt{d\frac{qvB}{m}}Is that correct? cause i have feeling that it is wrong.
 
Last edited:
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I only skimmed, but I think you have assumed that the deflecting force always acts in the -y direction. Recall - a charge moving in a uniform/constant magnetic-field follows a circular path. So ... what kind of acceleration would that be and what is it's relationship to the radius of the circle?
 
i could do it by the radius too.

2.png


m \frac{v^{2}}{R} = qvB

so R = \frac{mv^{2}}{qvB}


R^2 = (R- \frac{d}{2} )^{2} + x^{2}


x^{2} = Rd - (\frac{d}{2})^{2}

x^{2} = d\frac{mv^{2}}{qvB} - (\frac{d}{2})^{2}

x = \sqrt{d\frac{mv^{2}}{qvB} - (\frac{d}{2})^{2}}

Then the distance is l - x = \sqrt{d\frac{mv^{2}}{qvB} - (\frac{d}{2})^{2}}
 
Last edited:
Compute the distance between the left end of the plate and where the particle strikes
 
Simon Bridge said:
Compute the distance between the left end of the plate and where the particle strikes

That's the problem. I am not understating what the problem is asking for.
 
The bottom plate is the one that is going to be hit.
The bottom plate has two ends.
One end is on the left of the picture, the other is on the right.
Which end did you measure distance from (per your diagram)?
What is the length ##x## on your diagram?

Also - the last line in your calculations (post #3) does not follow from the previous line.
 
Simon Bridge said:
The bottom plate is the one that is going to be hit.
The bottom plate has two ends.
One end is on the left of the picture, the other is on the right.
Which end did you measure distance from (per your diagram)?
What is the length ##x## on your diagram?

Also - the last line in your calculations (post #3) does not follow from the previous line.
oh right. I was calculating for the right end, not the left end.

so my x is the desired distance (distance between the end of the left x_{0} = 0 and where the particle hits the plate x.
 
Well done.
I used to get caught out by that sort of thing all the time :)
 
Simon Bridge said:
Well done.
I used to get caught out by that sort of thing all the time :)

Thanks for your time. :)

just to make sure. i can not find the distance doing the calculation of the first post. I have to use the radius (post 3).
 

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