An electron travels with through a point in space where and . What is the force on the electron?
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28. Magnetic Fields and Forces
Force on Moving Charges & Right Hand Rule
Problem 84
Textbook Question
Muons ( mass = 207 times the electron mass, same charge -e ) are accelerated horizontally by 65 kV. They then pass through a uniform magnetic field B for a distance of 3.8 cm, which deflects them upward so they reach a detector 22 cm away, 11 cm above their original direction. Estimate the value of B.

1
Determine the kinetic energy of the muons after being accelerated by the 65 kV potential difference. Use the formula for kinetic energy gained by a charged particle in an electric field: \( KE = q \cdot V \), where \( q = -e \) (charge of the muon) and \( V = 65 \; \text{kV} \).
Relate the kinetic energy to the velocity of the muons. Use the formula \( KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \), where \( m \) is the mass of the muon (207 times the electron mass) and \( v \) is the velocity. Solve for \( v \).
Analyze the motion of the muon in the magnetic field. The magnetic force provides the centripetal force for the circular motion in the vertical plane. Use the formula \( F_B = q v B = \frac{m v^2}{r} \), where \( r \) is the radius of the circular path. Rearrange to solve for \( B \): \( B = \frac{m v}{q r} \).
Determine the radius \( r \) of the circular path. The vertical deflection \( d = 11 \; \text{cm} \) and horizontal distance \( L = 22 \; \text{cm} \) form a right triangle. Use trigonometry to find \( r \): \( r = \frac{L^2 + (2d)^2}{8d} \).
Substitute the values of \( m \), \( v \), \( q \), and \( r \) into the formula for \( B \) to estimate the magnetic field strength. Ensure all units are consistent (e.g., convert cm to meters).

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Lorentz Force
The Lorentz force is the force experienced by a charged particle moving through a magnetic field. It is given by the equation F = q(v × B), where F is the force, q is the charge, v is the velocity of the particle, and B is the magnetic field. This force is perpendicular to both the velocity of the particle and the direction of the magnetic field, causing the particle to move in a circular or helical path.
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Lorentz Transformations of Velocity
Kinetic Energy and Acceleration
When charged particles like muons are accelerated by an electric potential, they gain kinetic energy equal to the work done on them by the electric field. The kinetic energy (KE) can be expressed as KE = qV, where q is the charge and V is the potential difference. This energy translates into velocity, which is crucial for calculating the motion of the muons as they enter the magnetic field.
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Intro to Rotational Kinetic Energy
Magnetic Field and Particle Motion
In a uniform magnetic field, charged particles experience a force that alters their trajectory. The radius of curvature of their path depends on the particle's mass, charge, velocity, and the strength of the magnetic field. The relationship can be described by the equation r = mv/(qB), where r is the radius of the circular path. Understanding this relationship is essential for estimating the magnetic field strength based on the observed deflection of the muons.
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Circular Motion of Charges in Magnetic Fields
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