Magnitude of the field used for electron

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a proton and an electron moving in a magnetic field, specifically focusing on the magnitude of the magnetic field required for the electron to follow a circular path of the same radius as that of the proton when both are projected perpendicularly into the field. The subject area is electromagnetism, particularly the motion of charged particles in magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the radius of the circular path and the magnetic field strength, referencing the equation r=mv/qB. There is an exploration of how the mass difference between the proton and electron affects the required magnetic field strength for the electron.

Discussion Status

Some participants have attempted calculations based on the provided equation and shared their results, while others have pointed out the significance of the mass ratio between the proton and electron. There is an acknowledgment of differing interpretations regarding the sign of the magnetic field due to the charges of the particles.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the mass of the proton is significantly greater than that of the electron, which is a key factor in their calculations. There is also mention of potential confusion stemming from the problem setup and the interpretation of results.

flynostrich08
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Homework Statement



a proton is projected perpendicularly into a magnetic field that has a magnitude of .5 T. the field is then adjusted so that an electron will follow a circular path of the same radius when it is projected perpendicularly into the field with the same velocity that the proton had. What is the magnitude of the field used for the electron?

Homework Equations


r=mv/qB


The Attempt at a Solution


i basically used the above equation to solve for r but left v=1 since it is the same in both then used B=mv/qr and plugged in r and realized i just did the same thing so can someone please help explain what i have to do in detail since i am lost. Thanks for any help
 
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It should help you knowing that the proton mass is 1836 times bigger than the electron mass (mp=1836me)
 
thanks i was looking at my book wrong so i ended up solving for r of the proton then took that and solved for B of the electron using the same equation and got 2.7x10^-4. did anyone else get that?
 
flynostrich08 said:
thanks i was looking at my book wrong so i ended up solving for r of the proton then took that and solved for B of the electron using the same equation and got 2.7x10^-4. did anyone else get that?

I got the same result but it has to be negative because of the charges (qp=-qe). That result is for the same radius (distance from the center) but in the opposite direction.
 
thanks for pointing that appreciate the help
 

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