Homework Help: Particle in a field

1. Feb 28, 2006

stunner5000pt

Solve the equation of motion for a particle of mass m and charge q moving in a constant electric and magnetic field E0 and B0 tat is solve the equation
$$m \dot{v} - q E_{0} + \frac{q}{C} v \times B_{0}$$
to determine the velocity v(t) and thence the trajctory r(t) of the particle. Discuss the hsape of the trajectory.

Hint: Choose the z axis along B0 and the y axis perpendicular to the plane of E0 and B0

Wel accoridng to the hint Bx and By would be zero
since Y is perpendicular ot the plane of E an B then
then
$$E_{x} = E_{0} \cos(t)$$
$$E_{z} = E_{0} \sin(t)$$
Ey = 0
does v hasve to be dependant on some angle??

so does this mean i have to have three separate lagrangians?
would phi depend on t since the velocity will change ??
force in the Z direction is
$$m \dot{v_{z}} = q E_{0} \sin(t) + \frac{q}{c} v_{?} \times B_{0}$$
not sure about the direction of v. I dont think its possible... is it? After i find the force do i have to find the potential V(z)? But nothing in that equation is dependant on z, is it? T is indpednant. However since the velocity is changing isnt v depdnant on z??

for hte Y direction velocity in the X direction yes?
$$m \dot{v_{x}} = q E_{0} \cos(t) + \frac{q}{C} v_{x} \times B_{0}$$
again... what about the potnetial and its dependance on t or y??

for the Y direction
$$m \dot_{y} = \frac{q}{c} (-v_{x}) \times B_{0}$$
are there right so far?

Last edited: Feb 28, 2006
2. Mar 1, 2006

dextercioby

If the fields are constant, why did you put a time dependence for the electric field strength...?

Daniel.

3. Mar 1, 2006

stunner5000pt

i was meaning to correct that ...
it should jsut be some angle, phi, shouldnt it???