Motion of an electron in a nonuniform magnetic field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the motion of an electron in the vicinity of an infinitely long wire carrying a high current, specifically focusing on how the trajectory of the electron is influenced by the nonuniform magnetic field generated by the wire.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the possibility of circular or elliptical motion for the electron, questioning the validity of these assumptions due to the changing force. There is a suggestion to derive an equation, likely a differential equation, to better understand the motion.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on combining Newton's Second Law with the Lorentz Force to analyze the situation, indicating a productive direction for further exploration. Multiple interpretations of the trajectory are being considered, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the need for a mathematical approach to describe the motion, with participants noting that the trajectory cannot simply be guessed without proper equations.

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?
 

Attachments

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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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