E field

In the E field between the plates,

the electric force FE is always
acting vertically.

V
vy
v

Horizontally:
F E=0

so

a x =0

v x =u=constant

FE
,

-q
,

E
L
u
L

If the particle of charge q and mass

m is accelerated through a p.dVa, then

vx

Time cross Efield =t=

u=

y2

1
2
mu =q V a
,
2

2qVa
m

Vertically:
At t = 0,

v y =0

F E=qE=q

a y=

( Vd )=ma

qE
m is constant as E is uniform between parallel plates

At time t,

v y =u y +a y t=a y t

1
1 qE
2
y 1=u y t+ a y t =
2
2 m

L 2
qE 2
=
L , similar to parabolic equation (y = kx2)
u
2 mu2

( )( )

y 2=Dtan=D

vy
vx

( )

y1

Total vertical deflection =

y 1+ y 2

B field

Magnetic force FM acts always perpendicular to velocity v, causing circular motion.

Assuming electrons leave cathode from rest, gain in k.e by an electron = work done by Va
1
m v 2=e V a
2 e
m v2
For circular motion, magnetic force = centripetal force, Bev= r

Combining the two equations, it can be shown that the specific charge of an electron is given
by

e 2V a
=
me B2 r 2 .

The radius r of the circular path can be determined approximately by trigonometry

tan=

OS
OM

For small ,

tan

d
r ,

OS d

OM r
r d

OM
OS

Comparing E and B fields

E-Field
Force F

Direction

FE = qE on any charge q, at rest

or moving
In direction of E-field if q is
positive
Parabolic

B-Field
FM is Zero on stationary charge or charge
moving along B
FM= Bqvsin if v is at angle with B
FM= Bqvif v is at 900 with B
FLH rule

v
qE
q
Path

E
q

Circular if v is at 900 to B

Velocity v

Only component of v in
direction of E increases

Constant magnitude but changing direction

k.e

Increases

Constant