What Determines the Frequency of Circular Motion in a Magnetic Field?

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SUMMARY

The frequency of circular motion for a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field is determined by the charge of the particle, the magnetic field strength, the mass of the particle, and the radius of the circular path. The correct conclusion is that the frequency depends on all of these factors, as established through the equation f = rQB/(m x wavelength). The relationship between angular frequency (ω) and frequency (f) is clarified, emphasizing that ω = 2πf, which connects the concepts of circular motion and wave propagation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circular motion dynamics
  • Familiarity with magnetic fields and their effects on charged particles
  • Knowledge of angular frequency and its relationship to linear frequency
  • Basic algebraic manipulation of physics equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Lorentz force and its impact on charged particle motion in magnetic fields
  • Explore the derivation of the cyclotron frequency formula
  • Learn about the relationship between angular frequency and linear frequency in oscillatory motion
  • Investigate applications of circular motion in electromagnetic devices
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and circular motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to charged particles in magnetic fields.

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Homework Statement



The frequency of circular motion for a charged particle moving around in the presence of a uniform magnetic field does not depend on ...

a)The radius of the circle
b)The mass of the particle
c)The charge of the particle
d)The magnitude of the magnetic field
e)Actually, it depends on all of the above quantities

The Attempt at a Solution



I believe the answer is d because the magnetic field alone cannot alter the KE of a particle because it is perpendicular to the particle velocity

OR

V = mv^2/R ----> QBr/m = 2piR/T (B is the magnitude of the magnetic field)
Where you solve for the period, cancel out the radius on both sides of the equation and take the inverse. Therefore the answer does not depend on the radius.

Which is correct?
Thanks in advance
 
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Q*v*B= Q*ω*r*B = m*v^2/r = m*ω^2*r ( velocity v = rω)
 
Clarification

Q*v*B= m*v^2/r =
QB = mv^2/r
QB = m(f x wavelength) /r

Therefore

f = rQB/(m x wavelength)

Therefore, the frequency of circular motion for a charged particle moving around in the presence of a uniform magnetic field depends on e) all of the above quantities
 
v = f*λ relation is used in the propagation of waves in a medium, not in the circular motion.
 
I am confused now.How do I find the frequency then for circular motion

Q*ω*r*B = m*ω^2*r

I know from this equation the radius cancels but what does this have to do with the frequency
 
Omega = 2*pi*f. Omega is the number of radians that go by each second, so omega/(2*pi) is the number of revolutions that can fit in each second.
 
Right. Thank you very much
 

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