What is the radius of the ion's path in a magnetic field with given values?

In summary, the problem involves a singly charged positive ion with a mass of 1.08e-26 kg and a charge of 1.602e-19 C. After being accelerated through a potential difference of 240 V, the ion enters a magnetic field of 0.595 T in a direction perpendicular to the field. The radius of the ion's path in the field can be calculated using the equation r= mv/ qB, where m is the mass, v is the velocity, q is the charge, and B is the magnetic field. To find the velocity, the fact that the potential difference multiplied by the charge gives the kinetic energy of the ion can be used. Once the velocity is found, it can be
  • #1
rinarez7
27
0
1. A singly charged positive ion has a mass = 1.08e-26 kg
After being accelerated through a potential difference of 240 V the ion enters a magnetic field of 0.595 T in a direction perpendicular to the field.
The charge on the ion is 1.602 e-19 C.
Find the radius of the ion's path in the field.
Answer in units of cm.



2. m= 1.08e-26 kg
potential difference= 240 V
B= 0.595 T
q= 1.602e-19
sin theta= 1 (enters in direction perpendicular to the field)
radius= mv/ qB




3. I am confused on exactly how to calculate velocity and the relevance of the potential difference. But, I tried:
F=qvBsin theta= ma
F=qvB= ma
1.602e-19(v) (0.595T)= 1.08e-26(-9.81m/s^2)
v= 1.112e-6 m/s
I then plugged this into r= mv/ qB
r= 1.08e-26kg (1.112e-6 m/s )/ 1.602e-19 (0.595T) and calculated r= 1.8997 e-11 cm, but this incorrect. What am I missing?
 
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  • #2
Try using the fact that the potential difference*charge of the ion gives the kinetic energy of it. (you can now find v)
 
  • #3
Thank you! I just needed that missing piece!
 

1. What is the radius of an ion's path in a magnetic field?

The radius of an ion's path in a magnetic field is determined by the equation r = mv/qB, where m is the mass of the ion, v is its velocity, q is its charge, and B is the strength of the magnetic field.

2. How does the radius of an ion's path change with increasing magnetic field strength?

As the magnetic field strength increases, the radius of an ion's path will also increase, as long as the other variables (mass, velocity, and charge) remain constant. This is because the magnetic force on the ion increases, causing it to curve in a wider path.

3. What factors affect the radius of an ion's path in a magnetic field?

The radius of an ion's path is affected by the mass, velocity, charge, and strength of the magnetic field. A heavier ion or one with a higher charge will have a larger radius, while a faster ion will have a smaller radius. The strength of the magnetic field also plays a significant role in determining the radius.

4. How can the radius of an ion's path be measured?

The radius of an ion's path can be measured using a device called a mass spectrometer. This instrument uses a combination of magnetic and electric fields to separate ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, allowing for the measurement of their path radius.

5. What is the significance of the radius of an ion's path in a magnetic field?

The radius of an ion's path in a magnetic field is an important concept in understanding the behavior of charged particles in magnetic fields. It is also utilized in various technologies such as mass spectrometers and particle accelerators, making it a crucial concept in scientific research and applications.

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