Home--> Demos--> E & M--> d0024

e/m apparatus

This demo is typically used to illustrate the effect of magnetic fields over the motion of electric charges. The demo consist in showing the deflection of an electron beam by a magnetic field.The beam of electrons is produced inside an electron tube that shuts an stream of electrons in the horizontal direction. Low pressure gas inside the tube makes the electron beam visible. The tube sits in between two Helmhotlz coils, which produce a magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of the electron beam. Increasing the current on the coils increases the magnetic field, which makes the change in direction of the electron beam more pronounced. The intensity of the magnetic field can be made strong enough to force the beam on a circular path, whose radius can be measured.

The current through the coils is supplied by an independent DCpower supply and can be varied and measured. The voltage that accelerates the electrons is provided by a high-voltage low-current DC power supply. This high voltage can also be varied and measured. The electrons are supplied by a heated element in the electron tube. This element is heated using an independent low-voltage AC power supply, which is integrated into the high-voltage DC supply.

ID: d0024
Set up time:
10 minutes in prep room + 2 minutes in class;measurements may take longer.
Requires:
Electrical Outlet. Components.
Notes:
You may need assistance the first time you use this demo.The current through the coils must be measured using the amps scale.The power for the heated element is provided from the outlet marked as 3V AC in the High Voltage power supply.
Figures:
Documents:
Comments:

Table of Components

Qty. name location notes
2 multimeters W106; East Wall; top of small metallic drawers; the meter to measure current should be in the Ampere range
W104; West Wall;
1 power strip W106; North Drawers; U2
1 extension cord W106; North Drawers; U1
1 e/m apparatus W106; North Cabinets; U6-L1
1 High-voltage low current DC power supply with port for a low voltage AC power supply for tubes W106; North Cabinets; U7-L1.
1 low-voltage high-current DC power supply W106; North Cabinets; U7-L1.