The electric force on the electron is opposite in direction to the electric field E. E points in the -y direction, so the electric force will point in the +y direction. The magnitude of the electric force is given by:
F = Eq
F = electric force, E = electric field strength, q = electron charge
We need to set up a magnetic field such that the magnetic force on the electron balances out the electric force. Since the electric force points in the +y direction, we need the magnetic force to point in the -y direction. Using the reversed right hand rule, the magnetic field must point in the -z direction for this to happen. Since the direction is perpendicular to the +x direction of the electron's velocity, the magnetic force is given by:
F = qvB
F = magnetic force, q = charge, v = velocity, B = magnetic field strength
The electric force must equal the magnetic force.
Eq = qvB
Do some algebra to isolate B:
E = vB
B = E/v
Let's solve for the electron's velocity. Its kinetic energy is given by:
KE = 0.5mv²
KE = kinetic energy, m = mass, v = velocity
Given values:
KE = 2.9keV = 4.6×10⁻¹⁶J
m = 9.1×10⁻³¹kg
Plug in and solve for v:
4.6×10⁻¹⁶ = 0.5(9.1×10⁻³¹)v²
v = 3.2×10⁷m/s
B = E/v
Given values:
E = 7500V/m
v = 3.2×10⁷m/s
Plug in and solve for B:
B = 7500/3.2×10⁷
B = 0.00023T
B = 0.23mT
