Physics HL
Physics HL
5
Chapters
329
Notes
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme D - Fields
Theme D - Fields
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
IB Resources
Theme D - Fields
Physics HL
Physics HL

Theme D - Fields

Determining the Charge: Mass Ratio for Electrons

Word Count Emoji
620 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Hey there future physicist! 🎉

Do you like mysteries? Well, guess what, so did the physicists of the past! One of the greatest mysteries of the early 20th century was figuring out the charge to mass ratio of the electron. Let's dive in!

 

🚀 Big Picture Idea: Understanding how charged particles, like electrons, behave in a magnetic field helps us determine their properties.

Setting the Stage

  • To determine the charge to mass ratio (often called 'specific charge') of a particle, measure how it moves in a magnetic field.
  • Example: Electrons being fired through a gas (like hydrogen or helium). 🎈
  • Why low pressure gas? So, our electron doesn’t bump into too many gas atoms and slow down too much.

Real-World Example: It's like trying to walk in an empty hallway (easy-peasy) vs. a crowded one (bump, excuse me, bump!)

When the Electron Moves

  • If a magnetic field is applied perpendicularly to the electron’s path, our electron dances in a circle! 🩰
  • How do we see it? The electron excites gas atoms, which then emit visible light along its path.

Fun Fact: This is similar to how neon lights work. Electrons excite neon atoms which then glow!

The Energy Aspect

  • Electron's kinetic energy remains the same in the magnetic field (because the magnetic field and velocity are playing on different playgrounds, so no energy is taken or given).
  • Energy is given by: ½ mev2 = eV. It's a bit of math magic! 🎩✨

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IB Resources
Theme D - Fields
Physics HL
Physics HL

Theme D - Fields

Determining the Charge: Mass Ratio for Electrons

Word Count Emoji
620 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Hey there future physicist! 🎉

Do you like mysteries? Well, guess what, so did the physicists of the past! One of the greatest mysteries of the early 20th century was figuring out the charge to mass ratio of the electron. Let's dive in!

 

🚀 Big Picture Idea: Understanding how charged particles, like electrons, behave in a magnetic field helps us determine their properties.

Setting the Stage

  • To determine the charge to mass ratio (often called 'specific charge') of a particle, measure how it moves in a magnetic field.
  • Example: Electrons being fired through a gas (like hydrogen or helium). 🎈
  • Why low pressure gas? So, our electron doesn’t bump into too many gas atoms and slow down too much.

Real-World Example: It's like trying to walk in an empty hallway (easy-peasy) vs. a crowded one (bump, excuse me, bump!)

When the Electron Moves

  • If a magnetic field is applied perpendicularly to the electron’s path, our electron dances in a circle! 🩰
  • How do we see it? The electron excites gas atoms, which then emit visible light along its path.

Fun Fact: This is similar to how neon lights work. Electrons excite neon atoms which then glow!

The Energy Aspect

  • Electron's kinetic energy remains the same in the magnetic field (because the magnetic field and velocity are playing on different playgrounds, so no energy is taken or given).
  • Energy is given by: ½ mev2 = eV. It's a bit of math magic! 🎩✨

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Physics HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

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