Where is the electron in this picture.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of an electron in a magnetron, particularly focusing on its likely positions along its path when influenced by an electric field. Participants explore the implications of the electric field's maximum at a specific time and consider the effects of the magnetron's operational state on the electron's energy and position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the electron is least likely to be found at the 12:00 and 3:00 positions due to energy gain in those areas.
  • Others question whether the operational state of the magnetron (open vs. closed output) affects the electron's position and energy dynamics.
  • A participant suggests that with the output closed, the work done by the electric field on the electron averages nearly to zero, except for losses in a closed magnetron.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the electron's position, with some agreeing on the unlikelihood of certain positions while others raise questions about the impact of the magnetron's output state. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not provide definitive calculations or conclusions, and assumptions regarding the behavior of the electric field and the magnetron's operation are not fully explored.

Spinnor
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The path of an electron in a magnetron is shown along with the electric field, see below. Assume the electric field shown is maximum at time t. Without calculation can you argue and approximate where along the electron path is the most likely positions of the electron at time t?

Picture in, An Introduction to Microwaves, page 54, F. A. Wilson.

Thanks for any help!
 

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Spinnor said:
The path of an electron in a magnetron is shown along with the electric field, see below. Assume the electric field shown is maximum at time t. Without calculation can you argue and approximate where along the electron path is the most likely positions of the electron at time t?

Picture in, An Introduction to Microwaves, page 54, F. A. Wilson.

Thanks for any help!

Could we safely say it can't be at the 12:00 and 3:00 positions as the electron gains energy in those positions?
 
Last edited:
Spinnor said:
Could we safely say it can't be at the 12:00 and 3:00 positions as the electron gains energy in those positions?

Assume the magnetron above is one for a microwave and is producing microwave energy. Does the answer above change much if the output of the magnetron is "closed"?

Thanks for your help!
 
Spinnor said:
Assume the magnetron above is one for a microwave and is producing microwave energy. Does the answer above change much if the output of the magnetron is "closed"?

Thanks for your help!

Could we argue that with the output closed the integral of the work done by the time varying electric field in the magnetron on the electron averages nearly to zero ( zero except for the loses of a closed magnetron)?
 
Spinnor said:
Could we safely say it can't be at the 12:00 and 3:00 positions as the electron gains energy in those positions?

Better to say above that the electron is least likely to be found at the 12:00 and 3:00 positions?
 

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