Motion of an electron in a nonuniform magnetic field

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SUMMARY

The trajectory of an electron moving in a nonuniform magnetic field created by an infinitely long wire carrying a high current is influenced by the Lorentz Force. The discussion emphasizes that circular motion is not applicable due to the changing force, suggesting that the electron's path may resemble an elliptical trajectory. To accurately determine the trajectory, participants recommend deriving a differential equation by combining Newton's Second Law with the Lorentz Force in the appropriate coordinate system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz Force and its application in electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with Newton's Second Law of motion
  • Basic knowledge of differential equations
  • Concept of magnetic fields generated by current-carrying conductors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Lorentz Force equation in various coordinate systems
  • Learn how to apply Newton's Second Law to charged particle motion in magnetic fields
  • Explore differential equations relevant to particle trajectories in nonuniform fields
  • Investigate the effects of varying magnetic fields on charged particles
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and researchers interested in electromagnetism and the dynamics of charged particles in magnetic fields.

ChessEnthusiast
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Homework Statement


An electron is shot towards an infinitely long wire with high current flowing througuh it.
Please, look at my "sketch" in the attachment.
How will its trajectory be affected? What curve will it be?

2. The attempt at a solution
I thought about circular motion, but the fact that force changes rather rules that out.
What about an ellipse?
 

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ChessEnthusiast said:

Homework Statement


An electron is shot towards an infinitely long wire with high current flowing througuh it.
Please, look at my "sketch" in the attachment.
How will its trajectory be affected? What curve will it be?

2. The attempt at a solution
I thought about circular motion, but the fact that force changes rather rules that out.
What about an ellipse?

Did you write the expression for the force on the electron?
 
ChessEnthusiast said:
thought about circular motion, but the fact that force changes rather rules that out.
What about an ellipse?
I believe it can't be just guessed. You need to write an equation, most likely a differential equation.
 
cnh1995 said:
I believe it can't be just guessed. You need to write an equation, most likely a differential equation.

I would suggest combining Newton's Second Law with Lorentz Force, using the right coordinate system, and then work from there.
 

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