Math Problem Statement

A charged particle moves without an initial velocity in a homogeneous electric field. After passing through a potential difference 𝑉 V, the particle enters a homogeneous magnetic field with induction 𝐡 B, perpendicular to the field lines. In the magnetic field, the particle moves in circular trajectories with a radius 𝑅 R. Determine the specific charge (the ratio of charge to mass) of the particle.

Solution

To determine the specific charge (the ratio of charge to mass) of the particle, we will analyze the motion of the particle in both the electric and magnetic fields. Let's break down the problem step by step:

1. Electric Field Region (Acceleration of the Particle)

The particle moves through a potential difference VV, gaining kinetic energy due to the electric field. The work done by the electric field on the particle is converted into its kinetic energy.

The kinetic energy gained by the particle is:

Kinetic Energy=eV\text{Kinetic Energy} = eV

where:

  • ee is the charge of the particle,
  • VV is the potential difference.

The kinetic energy of the particle is also given by:

Kinetic Energy=12mv2\text{Kinetic Energy} = \frac{1}{2}mv^2

where:

  • mm is the mass of the particle,
  • vv is the velocity of the particle after it is accelerated by the electric field.

Equating the two expressions for kinetic energy:

eV=12mv2eV = \frac{1}{2}mv^2

Solving for the velocity vv of the particle after passing through the potential difference VV:

v=2eVmv = \sqrt{\frac{2eV}{m}}

2. Magnetic Field Region (Circular Motion)

Once the particle enters the magnetic field, it moves in circular trajectories due to the Lorentz force acting as the centripetal force.

The Lorentz force in a magnetic field is:

Fmag=evBF_{\text{mag}} = evB

This force provides the centripetal force required to keep the particle in circular motion:

Fcentripetal=mv2RF_{\text{centripetal}} = \frac{mv^2}{R}

where:

  • RR is the radius of the circular trajectory,
  • BB is the magnetic field induction.

Equating the magnetic force to the centripetal force:

evB=mv2RevB = \frac{mv^2}{R}

Solving for the velocity vv:

v=eBRmv = \frac{eBR}{m}

3. Combining the Two Regions

Now we have two expressions for the velocity vv:

From the electric field region:

v=2eVmv = \sqrt{\frac{2eV}{m}}

From the magnetic field region:

v=eBRmv = \frac{eBR}{m}

Equating these two expressions:

2eVm=eBRm\sqrt{\frac{2eV}{m}} = \frac{eBR}{m}

Square both sides to eliminate the square root:

2eVm=e2B2R2m2\frac{2eV}{m} = \frac{e^2B^2R^2}{m^2}

Multiply both sides by m2m^2 to simplify:

2eVm=e2B2R22eVm = e^2B^2R^2

Solve for the specific charge em\frac{e}{m}:

em=2VB2R2\frac{e}{m} = \frac{2V}{B^2R^2}

4. Conclusion

The specific charge (the ratio of charge to mass) of the particle is given by:

em=2VB2R2\boxed{\frac{e}{m} = \frac{2V}{B^2R^2}}

This formula shows that the specific charge depends on the potential difference VV, the magnetic field BB, and the radius of the circular trajectory RR.


Do you want more details or have any questions on the steps involved?

Here are 5 relative questions to consider:

  1. How does the specific charge change if the magnetic field strength is doubled?
  2. What happens to the radius of the circular trajectory if the particle's charge increases?
  3. How does the velocity of the particle change with an increasing potential difference?
  4. What assumptions are made about the homogeneity of the electric and magnetic fields?
  5. How would the trajectory change if the magnetic field were not perpendicular to the particle's motion?

Tip: Always check the units of your final answer to ensure consistency in physical problems.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Kinetic Energy
Lorentz Force
Circular Motion
Potential Difference
Magnetic Induction

Formulas

Kinetic Energy = eV
Kinetic Energy = 0.5mv^2
Lorentz Force = evB
Centripetal Force = mv^2/R
Specific Charge: e/m = 2V / (B^2R^2)

Theorems

Energy Conservation Principle
Newton's Second Law for Circular Motion

Suitable Grade Level

University Physics (Introductory Level)