Understanding the Force on an Electron in a Changing Magnetic Field

  • Thread starter Thread starter edlin
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electron Force
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the force acting on an electron in a time-varying magnetic field, specifically described by the equation B = (5.00t³ - 1.00t² + 0.800) T. The original poster expresses confusion about the appropriate equations to use and the underlying concepts related to electric and magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers using the electric force equation Fe = qE and questions whether deriving the magnetic field can lead to the electric field. They also mention another equation for the electric field, E = -r/2 * dB/dt, and express uncertainty about its applicability. Additionally, they ponder the significance of the radius r2 being outside the circle depicted in the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring various aspects of the problem, including the relationship between electric and magnetic forces. Some guidance has been provided regarding the general force equation for charged particles, but there remains uncertainty about how to determine the velocity of the electron and the implications of the radius being outside the magnetic field region.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has not attempted a solution yet, indicating a focus on conceptual understanding rather than procedural steps. There is an emphasis on the need for clarity regarding the equations and assumptions involved in the problem.

edlin
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
The Force on an Electron...??

Again, hi! I am very thankful for the help that I am being provided. I am yet again stuck in a problem.

I really do not understand it.

For the situation described in Figure P31.32, the magnetic field changes with time according to the expression B = (5.00t3 - 1.00t2 + 0.800) T, and r2 = 2R = 5.00 cm.

(I have also attached the image).

Right now, I have not really tried to solve it, because I want to understand the concept first, but I really don't get it...mostly because I am not sure what equations would be appropriate.

(1) I have thought the equation for electric force would be useful, since they do involve an electron in the problem, and it's what we want to find. Fe = qE.

By deriving B in the problem, is it correct to say that I got the E field? (Which would therefore allow me to get the Force)

(2) Then I saw in the section where this problem appeared, that they use another type of equation for the E field, which is:

E = -r/2 * dB/dt

I don't believe that using just these equations in (1) and (2) will give me the right answer though, but after that I don't know what else I am supposed to assume or do.


(3) Also, since the r2 is outside of the circle in the image, I am assuming this is important. But I don't know how to include this in the problem.


I guess that mostly it's the concept that I don't understand. I really appreciate any help that I may get. Thankyou!
 

Attachments

  • p31-32.gif
    p31-32.gif
    6.1 KB · Views: 563
Physics news on Phys.org
The general vector force on a charged particle in a combination E and B field is

[tex]F = (q E) + (q v X B)[/tex]

Does that help?
 
I did see that equation though, but I'm not sure how I would get the velocity.

And does it matter that r is outside the circle??
 
The velocity of the charged particle is changed by the F=ma force on it. The force on the charged particle comes from the qE + qv X B forces acting on it. And you are correct, if the B only exists insice that circle, then the qv X B force goes away outside the circle.
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K