Mass of charged particle in magnetic field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the mass of a charged particle moving in a magnetic field, given its charge, kinetic energy, and the radius of its circular path. The subject area includes concepts from electromagnetism and mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate electric and magnetic forces to find the mass of the particle, using kinetic energy and the radius of motion. Some participants question the relevance of electric fields in this context and suggest focusing on magnetic forces instead.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the relationships between the equations provided, particularly focusing on the magnetic force and kinetic energy equations. There is an acknowledgment of the need to solve for both mass and velocity, and a suggestion to use substitution to address the two unknowns.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster may have included unnecessary elements in their approach, specifically regarding electric fields, which are not applicable to this problem. The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying the relevant equations and their application.

rinarez7
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1. A 1.56024 μC charged particle with a kinetic
energy of 0.115905 J is placed in a uniform
magnetic field of magnitude 0.150267 T.
If the particle moves in a circular path of
radius 3.13685 m, find its mass. Answer in
units of kg.

Homework Equations


Fe= Fm
Fe= qE
KE=mv^2/2
Fm= qvB= mv^2/r




3. I decided to first find E: E =Ke (q/r^2)= 8.98e10 (1.5602e-6 C/3.13685^2)=1425.455

Then I solved for Fe= qE= 1425.455 (1.5602e-6)= 2.2239e-3= Fm

Then I used Fm= qvB and solved for v = 9503.84615 m/s
Then I used KE = mv^2/2 to sove for m = KE(2)/ v^2= (0.115905)(2)/ (9503.84615 m/s )^2=3e-9 kg=m
But this isn't correct. What am I missing here? Thank you in advance for any help!
 
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Your work is a little tough to follow, but it is worth noting that this problem has nothing to do with electric fields, only magnetic ones. So, I'll help you out by saying that only equations 3 and 4 under your list of relevant equations are actually relevant.
 
So would I be able to solve equations 3 and 4 somehow to find mass and velocity? Those are my two unknowns. I need velocity to solve for mass.
Is there another relationship I am missing to help me solve for velocity?
 
Well you have equations 3 and 4, and only two unknowns like you say, m and v. 2 equations 2 unknowns sounds like a solvable system to me. (Try substitution!)
 
Substitution worked wonderfully! Thanks again!
 

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