What is the radius of curvature for an alpha particle in a magnetic field?

AI Thread Summary
To find the radius of curvature of an alpha particle in a magnetic field, the Lorentz force, which acts as the centripetal force, must be considered. The relevant equation is F = qvB, where F is the magnetic force, q is the charge of the particle, v is its velocity, and B is the magnetic field strength. The centripetal force can be expressed as F = mv²/r, where m is the mass of the particle and r is the radius of curvature. By equating the magnetic force to the centripetal force, one can solve for the radius of curvature. Understanding these relationships is crucial for solving the homework question effectively.
Lorax
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Heres one more question


In a particle accelerator, an alpha particle with a mass of 6.64 x10^-27 kg is moving with a speed of 2.50x10^7 m/s. It is moving perpendicularily through a magnetic field of intensity 0.150 T. Using appropriote equations and method find the radius of curvature of its path.

I'm completely stumped on this HW question due tomorrow, I'm looking through my notes for an equation for this. Also I have no idea how to find the radius of the curvature.

PLEASE HELP.
 
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Lorax said:
Heres one more question


In a particle accelerator, an alpha particle with a mass of 6.64 x10^-27 kg is moving with a speed of 2.50x10^7 m/s. It is moving perpendicularily through a magnetic field of intensity 0.150 T. Using appropriote equations and method find the radius of curvature of its path.

I'm completely stumped on this HW question due tomorrow, I'm looking through my notes for an equation for this. Also I have no idea how to find the radius of the curvature.

PLEASE HELP.

HINT:The particle moves in a circle.The Lorentz magnetic force is a centripetal force.

Daniel.
 
umm...

what's the formula for the lorentz magnetic force? I thought it was like...

F=qv+B

I don't see how that helps. Could you help me out a bit more? I need to get this one before tonight.
 
The point is that it is a force prependicular to velocity. That means that it compels the particle to travel in a circle. Equate it to the formula for the centrifugal force.
 
Lorax said:
umm...

what's the formula for the lorentz magnetic force? I thought it was like...

F=qv+B

I don't see how that helps. Could you help me out a bit more? I need to get this one before tonight.

Nope,it's
\vec{F}_{mag,L}=q\vec{v}\times\vec{B}
The centripetal force is:
\vec{F}_{cp}=\frac{m\vec{v}^{2}}{r^{2}}\vec{r}


Daniel.
 

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