Electron's path in uniform magnetic field? Help, please

[fatcat39]

Homework Statement

There are three horizontal areas side by side - a completely uniform area. Areas 1 and 3, the magnetic fields are going into the page and area 2's field is going out of the page. An electron enters area 2 (the middle region). What is its path?

Homework Equations

F = qvB sin theta

The Attempt at a Solution

I know it's a circular path - what I was wondering was, since in regions 1,2, and 3 the magnetic fields are all perpendicular to the velocity vector of the electron (and therefore theta stays the same), does the circular path change in any way throughout the regions?

 

[Hootenanny]

I know it's a circular path - what I was wondering was, since in regions 1,2, and 3 the magnetic fields are all perpendicular to the velocity vector of the electron (and therefore theta stays the same), does the circular path change in any way throughout the regions?

Are you sure the angle between the magnetic field and velocity remains the same?

 

[Moetasim]

I can confirm that the path of an electron in a uniform magnetic field will indeed be circular. However, the radius of the circle may vary depending on the strength of the magnetic field and the velocity of the electron. In this case, the direction of the magnetic field in each region will determine the direction of the circular path. In region 1 and 3, the magnetic field is going into the page, so the electron will move in a clockwise circular path. In region 2, the magnetic field is going out of the page, so the electron will move in a counterclockwise circular path. The circular path will not change throughout the regions as long as the magnetic field and velocity remain constant. However, if the magnetic field or velocity changes, the radius of the circular path will also change accordingly. I hope this helps with your homework.