The Impact of Current on Circular Paths: Examining Equation 1

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of increasing current on the circular path of electrons in a magnetic field, specifically using the equation e/m = 2V/B^2r^2. The context is related to an e/m experiment commonly conducted in physics labs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between current, magnetic field strength, and the radius of the circular path of electrons. There are attempts to connect the behavior of the system to the provided equation, with questions about how to demonstrate these relationships mathematically.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning their assumptions about the setup and the role of current in affecting the circular path of electrons. Some express uncertainty about how to apply the equation to their observations, while others suggest that increasing current may lead to an increase in the magnetic field, which could affect the radius of the path.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the discussion being part of a pre-lab questionnaire, indicating that participants have not conducted physical measurements yet. The conversation reflects a mix of interpretations regarding the setup and the implications of current changes on the magnetic field and electron paths.

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.
 
Last edited:
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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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