Dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron

In summary, the dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron, also known as the electron's specific charge, is a fundamental constant that represents the ratio of the electron's mass to its electric charge. It is typically measured using a device called a mass spectrometer and plays a crucial role in many areas of physics. It is closely related to other fundamental constants and has been found to vary slightly over time, but these variations have no significant impact on our understanding of the electron's properties.
  • #1
Afonso Campos
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In SI units, the mass-to-charge ratio of the electron is

$$\frac{m_{e}}{|q_{e}|} = \frac{9.11 \times 10^{-31} \text{kg}}{1.6 \times 10^{-19} \text{C}} = 5.7 \times 10^{-12} \text{kg/C}.$$

In which system of units do we have the dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio

$$\frac{m_{e}}{|q_{e}|} \simeq 4.9 \times 10^{-22}?$$

For reference, see the text in [2] of page 6 of the paper https://arxiv.org/abs/1705.06287.
 
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  • #3
Got it! Thanks so much!
 

FAQ: Dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron

What is the dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron?

The dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron, also known as the electron's specific charge, is a physical constant that represents the ratio of the electron's mass to its electric charge. It is approximately equal to -1.758820024×10^11 C/kg.

How is the dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron measured?

The dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron is typically measured using a device called a mass spectrometer. This device uses electric and magnetic fields to separate particles based on their mass-to-charge ratio, allowing for accurate measurement of the electron's specific charge.

What is the significance of the dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron?

The dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron is a fundamental constant that plays a crucial role in many areas of physics, including quantum mechanics and atomic theory. It is also used in various practical applications, such as in the design of electronic devices and in medical imaging techniques.

How does the dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron relate to other fundamental constants?

The dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron is closely related to other fundamental constants, such as the fine structure constant and the elementary charge. It is also used in the calculation of other physical quantities, such as the Bohr magneton and the Rydberg constant.

Has the dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron always had the same value?

No, the dimensionless mass-to-charge ratio of the electron has been found to vary slightly over time, with newer and more accurate measurements yielding slightly different values. This is due to improvements in measurement techniques and equipment. However, these variations are extremely small and have no significant impact on our understanding of the electron's properties.

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