Motion of an electron in a nonuniform magnetic field

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the trajectory of an electron moving towards an infinitely long wire carrying a high current. Participants consider the effects of a nonuniform magnetic field on the electron's motion, initially contemplating circular motion but dismissing it due to changing forces. The idea of an elliptical trajectory is proposed but deemed insufficient without a mathematical foundation. It is suggested to apply Newton's Second Law in conjunction with the Lorentz Force to derive the appropriate equations of motion. A differential equation approach is recommended for accurately determining the electron's path.
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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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