0Dr. David E.

Clark Nathan
LaSpina
Due: 10/21/10

Electron: charge/mass
Partner: Michael Fitzgerald

1
Intro:

This lab describes how the charge and mass of an electron can be mathematically
computed with knowledge of the strength of the magnetic field. By utilizing the Helmholtz coils
system and the Robert Millikan equation for e/m we could determine an experimental value for
e/m ratio. Since variations in the magnetic fields strength manipulate the shape of an electron
beam, we can simply enter the lab results into the Millikan equation and find our e/m ratio
answer.

Results:

Eq: 1 e/m = 2V/B^2(r^2 + (0.254x10^-2)^2)

Current Ring order Voltage (output) Radius (m) B-field (10^-2)

2.125 4th 7 0.020 1.118
2.805 3rd 10 0.015 1.997
4.025 2nd 15 0.010 4.305

Fig. 1

< Reversed Polarity >

Current Ring order Voltage (output) Radius (m) B-field (10^-2)

2.168 4th 8 0.020 1.159
3.007 3rd 10 0.015 2.146
4.049 2nd 15 0.010 4.331

Fig. 2

Results example;
Equations: magnetic field strength [B] = (8µNI) / sqrt(125)R
= (1.005 x 10^-5)*(119)*(2.125amp.) / (11.180)*(0.02m)
= 0.0025/0.2236
= 1.118 x 10^-2

magnetic field strength [B] at 3cm with 2.168amps

= (8µNI) / sqrt(125)R
= (0.0025) / (0.3354)
= 7.453 x 10^-3

2
Given charge of electron (e): 1.602 x 10^-19 C

[E/m] = 2V / (B)^2(r^2 +(0.254x10^-2)^2)

= (14) / (1.25x10^-4)*[0.0004 + (0.00254)^2]
= (14) / (5.077 x 10^-8)
= 2.75 x 10^8
m = E/2.75 x 10^8; mass 5.82 x 10^-12 kg

Velocity of electron: eV = mv^2/2  v = sqrt[2(eV) / m]

v = 1050.03 m/s

E/m experimental value: 5.079 x 10^8

E/m accepted value: -1.758 x 10^11

Discussion:

My experimental values for e/m differed greatly from the expected values and I am
uncertain why. When creating the data points I used equation #1, and still my results were
inconclusive.

Additional notes:

The velocity of an electron that has been accelerated through a potential difference of 150
volts only moves at a speed of about 1000 m/s. The relativistic effects on particles do not start
until particles reach speeds close to the speed of light.
When the polarity was switched, the beam of electrons was forced by the magnetic field
to bend in the opposite direction. However the amplitude of this magnetic field is not the same
in both directions. I am not sure why both values are not at least within ± 0.001 of each other.
For future experiments, I would suggest making the lab procedure more concise with
more example problems and less information on the maintenance of the equipment.