The Impact of Current on Circular Paths: Examining Equation 1

AI Thread Summary
Increasing the current to the coils in a circular path setup for electrons is believed to expand the circular path, as the magnetic field generated by the coils increases with current. However, the relationship between current, magnetic field, and the radius of the electron's path is complex, as described by the equation e/m = 2V/B^2r^2. While the initial assumption is that more current leads to a larger circle, it is noted that a stronger magnetic field, resulting from increased current, would actually decrease the radius of the path. This contradiction highlights the need for careful analysis using the provided equation to clarify the effects of current on the circular path. Understanding this relationship is crucial for accurately predicting the behavior of electrons in the experiment.
Eddie10
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Homework Statement



Once a circular path has been obtain for the electrons, how will increasing current to the coils affect that path? Use equation 1 and the fact that e/m is a constant for the electron.

Homework Equations


e/m = 2V/B^2r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm unclear as to how to find a solution because I think that the circular path of electrons will grow brighter, or grow dimmer when more current, or less current is applied, once the electrons are in a circular path.

However, how can I use the given equation to prove this?

Note, I have not conducted any type of measurements or observations of any kind, as this is a pre-lab questionnaire that I am fulfilling to get credit.

UPDATE: I firmly believe that increasing the current to the coils will make the circle larger, once the circular path has been established prior to increasing said current.

However, how can I use the given equation to show this?

As an aside, increasing the magnetic field will make the circle smaller.
 
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Maybe I'm misguessing the set up, but I would have thought the coils in question were generating the magnetic field, so the last line of your post seems the relevant one.
 
haruspex said:
Maybe I'm misguessing the set up, but I would have thought the coils in question were generating the magnetic field, so the last line of your post seems the relevant one.

The set-up is going to be the traditional set-up used for the e/m experiment that is used at most universities.
The coils will generate a magnetic field, but what will increasing the current do to the circle once it is established?

I think the increased current will expand the circle and make it bigger, but I am unsure how to show this with my equation.
 
Eddie10 said:
The set-up is going to be the traditional set-up used for the e/m experiment that is used at most universities.
The coils will generate a magnetic field, but what will increasing the current do to the circle once it is established?

I think the increased current will expand the circle and make it bigger, but I am unsure how to show this with my equation.
If the function of the coils is to generate a magnetic field, then increasing the current will increase the field, yes? And as you wrote, increasing the field will shrink the circle.
 
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