The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) of circumference 27km uses magnetic fields to accelerate a proton repeatedly in a circular path. Calculate the flux density of a uniform magnetic field required for the proton to travel at a tenth of the speed of light.

Firstly, we must clearly set out the information we have. The particle in question is a proton, which has a mass of 1.67e-27 kg, and a charge of 1.6e-19 C. The path it takes has a circumference of 27000m, meaning the radius of its path is (27000/(2pi)), which is 4297m. The speed it is travelling at is c/10, or 3e7 m/s. The particle takes a circular path, meaning there must be a centripetal force acting on it, and this is given by F = (mv^2)/r. In addition the charged particle is moving through a magnetic field, which means it experiences a force perpendicular to its travel, given by F = Bqv, where B is the magnetic flux density, q is the charge of the particle, and v is the velocity it is travelling at. This is the only force that can provide the centripetal force required for the proton to maintain its path, meaning the above two equations must be equal: (mv^2)/r = Bqv. We want to find the value of B, so rearranging the above equation, we find that: B=(mv)/(rq) =(1.67e-27 * 3e7)/(4297 * 1.6e-19) = 7.29e-5 T

Answered by Aashish M. Physics tutor

6087 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What speed do satellites orbit at?


Why is a pendulum with a bob of the same size but larger mass than another bob damped more lightly?


find and symplify the following. Integrate ( 2x^5 - 1/(4x^3)- 5 )dx


Electrons moving in a beam have the same de Broglie wavelength as protons moving in a separate beam. The proton beam moves at a speed of 3.1 x 10^4 m/s. What is the speed of the electrons?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy