It is commonly accepted that the mass of an electron is 9.1× 10^-31 kilograms, and a quick Google search will tell you that. "But how do we know?" This is the question asked by the advanced students of the electricity and magnetism class.
By varying voltage and current in the field coils, the students calculate the mass of a single electron. They will be able see the light blue glow of the electron beam and watch it arc inside the magnetic field, giving them an amazing visual of the complex mathematics they are learning about.
The Lorentz force demonstrator will be used for an inquiry project while the students are learning about magnetic fields. Students will need to combine their knowledge of electric fields with magnetic fields in order to control the device and create a visible electron beam that bends in a circular path. Then with just some simple measurements such as input voltage and diameter of the electron beam, they will be able to calculate the mass of a single electron.
This is a great project for these advanced students because it challenges them to combine all of their knowledge gained through two years of physics; building their own equations to solve a complex problem with a hands-on real demonstration.
About my class
It is commonly accepted that the mass of an electron is 9.1× 10^-31 kilograms, and a quick Google search will tell you that. "But how do we know?" This is the question asked by the advanced students of the electricity and magnetism class.
By varying voltage and current in the field coils, the students calculate the mass of a single electron. They will be able see the light blue glow of the electron beam and watch it arc inside the magnetic field, giving them an amazing visual of the complex mathematics they are learning about.
The Lorentz force demonstrator will be used for an inquiry project while the students are learning about magnetic fields. Students will need to combine their knowledge of electric fields with magnetic fields in order to control the device and create a visible electron beam that bends in a circular path. Then with just some simple measurements such as input voltage and diameter of the electron beam, they will be able to calculate the mass of a single electron.
This is a great project for these advanced students because it challenges them to combine all of their knowledge gained through two years of physics; building their own equations to solve a complex problem with a hands-on real demonstration.