Electron in a time variable magnetic field

In summary, the electric field around an electron in a solenoid depends on its distance from the center of the solenoid. If all space is filled with dB/dt = b, there isn't a unique solution for the electric field.
  • #1
mahblah
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TL;DR Summary: Find acceleration of electron in dB/dt >0

Hello. Here is a problem that i'm not so sure about:

Inside a solenoid there is a time-dipendent magnetic field B, so we have dB/dt = b (constant).
We want to know the acceleration of an electron:
a) placed in the center of the solenoid
b) displaced of r=2cm from the center


The book report that:
case a)
1682975358661.png

case b)
1682975316898.png

why should be different the result if the electron is placed in the center or in the displaced position? I can always imagine a "virtual circuit". Also, i think the electron "can't know where is placed".
Where am i wrong?
I've tried to solve the exercise by
1682974571374.png

and i know i can get the result in this way:
1682975304519.png

But this requires that "circle" is draw around the center.i could also draw this kind of circle (in orange) and so get a result for the electron in the center.
1682974912138.png


I have tried to find some answer looking for different path inside the solenoid (See below) but i'm not so convinced anyway.
1682975050441.png
Thanks anyone
sorry for the not-so-good post.
 
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  • #2
You've recited that the electric fields depends on the distance from the center. What does that mean for the force on the electron due to the electric field? I don't know what virtual circuits have to do with anything, nor do I understand the comment about the electron not knowing where it is, especially in light of a spatially varying electric field. You can compute the electric field along your shifted loop but it will be more complicated since your choice of coordinates don't match the symmetry of the electric field about the center of the solenoid.
 
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  • #3
You'll need to think about the pattern of electric field lines inside the solenoid.

Note that going from ##\oint \vec E \cdot \vec {ds}## to ##2 \pi r E## requires the following:
(1) ##\vec E## is in the direction of ##\vec {ds}## at each point of the circular path of integration
(2) ##|\vec E|## is constant along the path.

So if you want to use ##\oint \vec E \cdot \vec {ds} =2 \pi r E##, you will need to choose a circular path for which the above two conditions are satisfied.
 
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  • #4
Thanks you both!
I think i've somewhat understand what you mean.

I have a side question, but probably is meaningless:
what can we say about the acceleration of an electron if all space is filled with dB/dt = b > 0 ?
 
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  • #5
mahblah said:
I have a side question, but probably is meaningless:
what can we say about the acceleration of an electron if all space is filled with dB/dt = b > 0 ?
It's a good question. If all space is filled with dB/dt = b, then there isn't a unique solution for the electric field. To get a unique solution, you would need to add some extra information such as a boundary condition or symmetry condition.

The solenoid has rotational symmetry about the axis of the solenoid.
 
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  • #6
Thanks again!
 
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FAQ: Electron in a time variable magnetic field

What happens to an electron when it is placed in a time-variable magnetic field?

When an electron is placed in a time-variable magnetic field, it experiences a force due to the changing magnetic flux. This force can cause the electron to accelerate, change its velocity, and potentially follow a complex trajectory depending on the nature of the time variability and the initial conditions of the electron.

How does the Lorentz force affect an electron in a time-variable magnetic field?

The Lorentz force, which is the force exerted on a charged particle moving through electric and magnetic fields, plays a crucial role. For an electron in a time-variable magnetic field, the Lorentz force will vary over time, leading to changes in the electron's motion. The force is given by F = q(E + v × B), where q is the charge of the electron, E is the electric field, v is the velocity of the electron, and B is the magnetic field.

Can an electron gain energy from a time-variable magnetic field?

Yes, an electron can gain energy from a time-variable magnetic field. This is primarily due to the induced electric field that arises from the changing magnetic field, according to Faraday's Law of Induction. The induced electric field can do work on the electron, increasing its kinetic energy.

What is the significance of Faraday's Law in the context of an electron in a time-variable magnetic field?

Faraday's Law of Induction is significant because it describes how a time-variable magnetic field induces an electric field. This induced electric field can influence the motion of the electron, causing it to accelerate or decelerate. Faraday's Law is mathematically expressed as ∇ × E = -∂B/∂t, where E is the electric field and B is the magnetic field.

How does the motion of an electron differ in a time-variable magnetic field compared to a static magnetic field?

In a static magnetic field, an electron typically moves in a circular or helical path due to the constant Lorentz force perpendicular to its velocity. In a time-variable magnetic field, the electron's motion becomes more complex because the magnetic field strength and direction change over time. This variability can lead to non-uniform acceleration, changes in the trajectory, and potentially more chaotic motion.

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