Solve Velocity Selector: 750eV Electron & Cyclotron w/ 32.0MeV, 4.5T

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a velocity selector for a 750 eV electron and a cyclotron with a magnetic field of 4.5 T, focusing on the relationship between energy in electron volts (eV) and velocity, as well as the calculation of the radius of the cyclotron.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the conversion of energy from eV to Joules and its application in the kinetic energy formula. There is a focus on the classical mechanics approach to relate kinetic energy to velocity, with questions about the correctness of their calculations and assumptions regarding the relevance of relativistic effects.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints regarding the conversion of energy units and the application of classical mechanics. There is an ongoing exploration of the calculations, with one participant indicating they resolved their confusion, while others continue to seek clarity on the relationships involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can receive. There is an emphasis on understanding the relationship between energy and velocity in the context of the given problem.

DFWDraco76
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I found an old post with an almost identical question: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=54092

However, I still don't see how to work the problem.

My question is phrased exactly the same, except B = 0.0170T and it's a 750eV electron.

I have absolutely no clue how I'm supposed to relate eV to velocity, but I'm pretty sure (at least I read it somewhere on the web) I should be able to set 1/2mv^2 = eV.

If I do this I end up with v = sqrt(2eV/m) = 4.06*10^16.

Plugging that into the equation E = vB = 6.90*10^14.

That's way off... The answer should be kV/m, and from various friends that have gotten it right I hear it should be 3 digits (i.e. 100 <= answer <= 999).

Can somebody give me a hint, help me along here?

EDIT: I have another question in which I need to somehow related eV to velocity as well. This one is finding the radius of a cyclotron, given it's to accelerate to 32.0 MeV using magnetic filed 4.5T. I know r = mv / qB, so once again I'm missing v.
 
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DFWDraco76 said:
1/2mv^2 = eV.
Almost there; however, you need to convert the energy from eV to Joules before equating the formulae for kinetic energy. The effects of relativity are insignificant so you can still use the classical equation as you have done above.
 
Ok... So 1eV = 1.6*10^-19J
750eV*1.6*10^-19 = 1.2*10^-16 = j

v = sqrt(2j/m) = sqrt(2.4*10^-16 / 9.11*10^-31) = 1.623*10^7

still not right, is it?
 
never mind, I got it. thanks!
 

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