Radius of charged particle moving in magnetic field

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the radius of curvature for a +2 helium atom accelerated by 1700 V in a magnetic field of 0.5 T. The key equation used is R = mv/qB, where the challenge lies in determining the velocity of the particle, which is not provided. The participant deduces that velocity can be expressed as v = Eqt/m, leading to the simplified formula R = Et/B. However, the absence of a time variable complicates the calculation, highlighting the need for additional information regarding the acceleration duration.

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  • Understanding of classical mechanics, specifically Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with electromagnetism concepts, particularly Lorentz force
  • Knowledge of particle physics, including charge and mass of particles
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving voltage, electric field, and magnetic field
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  • Study the relationship between electric potential and kinetic energy in charged particles
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Homework Statement


So, I got the problem from a friend who told me he copied it down in haste, so it's possible that my confusion stems from a missing variable, but I just want to be certain as my exam is in a few days. So the problem states that there's a +2 helium atom that was accelerated by 1700 V. What will be the radius of curvature if it moves in a plane perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field of .5T ?

Homework Equations


R = mv/qB
F = Eq
v = at

The Attempt at a Solution


So, the first thing I notice is that the only variable I'm not given that is needed to solve for the radius is the velocity of the particle. I'm assuming the particle started at rest and was then accelerated, so then the velocity is equal to just the acceleration times time. The acceleration could be expressed as force over mass, so then I just needed an expression for the force.

F = Eq
a = Eq/m
v = Eqt/m
R = (m/qB)(Eqt/m)

The masses cancel, the charges cancel, and I'm left with the voltage times time divided by the magnetic field.

R = Et/B

My problem is I'm not given time anywhere in the problem, but it's obviously essential to know how long the particle was accelerating. Am I missing something here?
 
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