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PASCO SE-9629 Electron Charge to Mass Ratio User Guide

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Contents
1 PASCO SE-9629 Electron Charge to Mass
Ratio
2 Product Information
3 Product Usage Instructions
4 Introduction
5 What’s included
6 Safety information
7 Assembly
8 Connect cables and cords
9 Experiment procedure
10 Record data
11 Demonstrations
12 Sample data
13 Fuse replacement
14 Technical support
15 Regulatory information
16 Documents / Resources
16.1 References

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PASCO SE-9629 Electron Charge to Mass Ratio

PASCO-SE-9629-Electron-Charge-to-Mass-Ratio-product

Product Information

Electron Charge-to-Mass Ratio (SE-9629)

The e/m apparatus (Electron Charge-to-Mass Ratio) provides a simple method for measuring e/m, the charge-
to-mass ratio of the electron. The method is similar to that used by J.J. Thomson in 1897. A beam of electrons
 is accelerated through a known potential, so the velocity of the electrons is known. A pair of Helmholtz coils
produces a uniform and measurable magnetic field at right angles to the electron beam. This magnetic field
deflects the electron beam in a circular path.
The e/m apparatus also has deflection plates that can be used to demonstrate the effect of an electric field on
the electron beam. This can be used as a confirmation of the negative charge of the electron, as well as to
demonstrate how an oscilloscope works.
What’s included: – Electron Charge-to-Mass Ratio apparatus (SE-9629) – Mounting hardware – Mirrored scale
An electron moving with velocity v in a direction perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field B experiences a
Lorentz force F in a direction perpendicular to both the velocity and the magnetic field: F = Bev
This gives rise to a centripetal force on the electron in a
circular path with radius r, as given by: F = mv^2/r Thus: Bev = mv^2/r
The velocity v depends on the accelerating voltage U of the electron gun, as given by: v = √(2eU/m)
Therefore, the specific charge of an electron is given by: e/m = 2U/B^2r^2

Product Usage Instructions

Electron Charge-to-Mass Ratio (SE-9629)

Safety Information

WARNING: To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, follow these guidelines. – Always inspect the case
for signs of damage before using the equipment. Pay particular attention to the insulation surrounding the
connectors.

Assembly:

1. Assemble the base:

Use the screws from the mounting hardware to fasten the two Helmholtz coils on the platform so that the
terminals on the coils face toward the outside.
Fasten the three support rods from the mounting hardware between the two Helmholtz coils.
Mount the mirrored scale on one of the Helmholtz coils so that the mirror reflects toward the e/m tube
coil. Tighten the screws on the ends of the mirrored scale to hold it in place on the coil.
Holding the e/m tube by its base, align the tab on the tube with the notch in the socket. Turn the tube in
the socket until the tab slips into the notch, then push the tube into the socket. Make sure that the tube is
firmly in place. WARNING: Avoid touching the glass bulb of the tube. Touch only the plastic part below
the glass bulb. Do not expose the tube to any mechanical stress or strain. Handle with care.
2. Connect cables and cords:

DANGER: High voltage is applied to the e/m tube. Avoid contact with any part of the body.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the AC voltage switches on the power supplies are set for your AC voltage level.

Introduction

The e/m apparatus (Electron Charge-to-Mass Ratio) provides a simple method for measuring e/m, the charge
to mass ratio of the electron. The method is similar to that used by J.J. Thomson in 1897. A beam of electrons
is accelerated through a known potential, so the velocity of the electrons is known. A pair of Helmholtz coils
 produces a uniform and measurable magnetic field at right angles to the electron beam. This magnetic field
deflects the electron beam in a circular path.
The e/m apparatus also has deflection plates that can be used to demonstrate the effect of an electric field on
the electron beam. This can be used as a confirmation of the negative charge of the electron, as well as to
demonstrate how an oscilloscope works.
A unique feature of the e/m tube is that the socket rotates, allowing the electron beam to be oriented at any
angle (in the range of ±30 degrees) with respect to the magnetic field from the Helmholtz coils. You can
therefore rotate the tube and examine the vector nature of the magnetic forces on moving charged particles.

What’s included

e/m Tube (SE-9651A)

Helmholtz Coils and Base (SE-9626)
Tunable DC Power Supply (Constant Current) (SE-9622)
Tunable DC Power Supply II (Constant Voltage) (SE-9644)

Background information

In 1887, J.J. Thomson showed that the mysterious cathode rays were actually negatively charged particles,
thereby discovering the electron. In the same year, he measured the specific charge (e/m) of the cathode ray
particles, providing the first measurement of one of the fundamental constants of the universe. The specific
charge is defined as the charge per unit mass of the particle. Thomson discovered that the value of e/m was
independent of the gas used, as well as independent of the nature of the electrodes.

Principle of the experiment

In the e/m tube, the electrons move along a circular path in a uniform magnetic field. The tube contains helium
gas at a precisely set pressure. The gas atoms are ionized along the length of the circular path due to collisions
with electrons. As a result, they are excited and emit light, thereby indirectly making the circular path of the
electrons visible. The radius of the path can then be measured directly with a ruler. Since the magnetic field B
and the accelerating voltage U of the electron gun are known, it is possible to calculate the specific charge e/m
of an electron from the radius r of the circular path.

An electron moving with velocity v in a direction perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field B experiences a
Lorentz force F in a direction perpendicular to both the velocity and the magnetic field:

where e is the charge on an electron. This gives rise to a centripetal force on the electron in a circular path with
radius r, as given by:

where m is the mass of an electron. Thus:

 The velocity v depends on the accelerating voltage U of the electron gun, as given by:

Therefore, the specific charge of an electron is given by:

If we measure the radius of the circular orbit in each case for different accelerating voltages U and different
magnetic fields B, then, according to the equation, the measured values can be plotted in a graph of B2r2
versus 2U as a straight line through the origin, with slope e/m.

Safety information

WARNING: To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, follow these guidelines.

Clean the equipment only with a soft, dry cloth.

Before use, verify that the apparatus is not damaged. Do not use the apparatus if it is damaged.
Always inspect the case for signs of damage before using the equipment. Pay particular attention to the
insulation surrounding the connectors.
Do not disconnect the power cord safety ground feature.
When plugging in the apparatus, always plug it into a grounded (earthed) outlet.
Do not use the product in any manner that is not specified by the manufacturer.
Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to this product.
Line and Current Protection Fuses: To ensure protection against fire, replace the line fuse and the current-
protection fuse only with fuses of the specified type and rating.
Main Power and Test Input Disconnect: Unplug instrument from wall outlet, remove power cord, and remove all
probes from all terminals before servicing. Only qualified, service-trained personnel should remove the cover
from the instrument.
Immediately stop using the equipment if it operates abnormally, as protection may be impaired. When in doubt,
have the equipment serviced.
Do not operate the equipment under wet conditions, or under conditions where explosive gas, vapor, or dust
are present.
Do not apply more than the rated voltage (as marked on the apparatus) between terminals, or between any
terminal and ground.
When servicing the equipment, only use specified replacement parts.
Use caution when working with voltages above 30 V AC rms, 42 V peak, or 60 V DC. Such voltages pose a
shock hazard.
To avoid electric shock, do not touch any bare conductor with hands or skin.
Adhere to all local and national safety codes. Individual protective equipment must be used to prevent shock
and arc blast injury where hazardous live conductors are exposed.
Keep in mind: If a dangerous voltage is applied to an input terminal, then the same voltage may occur at all
other terminals.

Assembly
Assemble the base

1. Use the screws from the mounting hardware to fasten the two Helmholtz coils on the platform so that the
terminals on the coils face toward the outside.
2. Fasten the three support rods from the mounting hardware between the two Helmholtz coils.
3. Mount the mirrored scale on one of the Helmholtz coils so that the mirror reflects toward the e/m tube coil.
Tighten the screws on the ends of the mirrored scale to hold it in place on the coil.
4. Holding the e/m tube by its base, align the tab on the tube with the notch in the socket. Turn the tube in the
socket until the tab slips into the notch, then push the tube into the socket. Make sure that the tube is firmly in
place.

WARNING: Avoid touching the glass bulb of the tube. Touch only the plastic part below the glass bulb. Do not
expose the tube to any mechanical stress or strain. Handle with care.

Connect cables and cords

DANGER: High voltage is applied to the e/m tube. Avoid contact with any part of the body.
Only use shrouded patch cords for connections.
Make sure that the power supplies are OFF before making the connections.
Make sure that the power supplies are OFF before installing or replacing the e/m tube.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the AC voltage switches on the power supplies are set for your AC voltage level.
 NOTE: Before connecting any cords or cables, be sure that all power switches on the Power Supplies are in
the OFF position and all voltage controls are turned fully counterclockwise.
Connect the cables and cords as described in the steps below to finish setting up the e/m apparatus. The steps
are labeled in the diagram in Figure 2.

1. On the Tunable DC (Constant Voltage) Power Supply II, connect the positive terminal of the 200 V DC output
to the Accelerating Voltage positive terminal on the platform. Connect the negative terminal of the 200 V DC
output to the Accelerating Voltage negative terminal.
2. On the Tunable DC (Constant Current) Power Supply, connect both terminals of the AC 6.3 V output to the
Filament terminals on the platform.
3. On the Tunable DC (Constant Current) Power Supply, connect the positive terminal of the 3.5 A output to the
red terminal on the front Helmholtz coil.
4. Connect the black terminal of the front Helmholtz coil to the black terminal of the rear Helmholtz coil.
5. Connect the red terminal of the rear Helmholtz coil to the negative terminal of the 3.5 A output on the Tunable
DC (Constant Current) Power Supply.
6. (Not pictured) Connect the power cords to the power supplies, then use these cords to connect the power
supplies to an electrical outlet.
Experiment procedure

Adjust voltages and currents

Before beginning the experiment, be sure that all power switches on the Power Supplies are in the OFF
position and all voltage controls are turned fully counterclockwise.

1. On the Tunable DC (Constant Voltage) Power Supply II, set the Voltage Range Switch to 0 – 200 V.
2. For both power supplies, push in the Power Switch to the ON position.
3. Allow the filament to heat up for about 5 minutes.
4. On the Tunable DC (Constant Voltage) Power Supply II, set the Accelerating Voltage to 190 V DC.
5. Connect a wire between the ports for the upper and lower deflection plates. (See Figure 3.)
6. Connect a wire between the Accelerating Voltage positive terminal and the Deflection Plates Upper terminal,
as shown in Figure 3, to make the electron beam appear.
7. On the Tunable DC (Constant Current) Power Supply, increase the current to the Helmholtz coils. Watch the
electron beam and check to make sure that the beam curves upward. Continue increasing the current until the
 electron beam forms a closed circle.
If the electron beam does not deflect, reverse the polarity of one of the Helmholtz coils so that the current
passes through both of the coils in the same direction.
If the electron beam deflects downward, swap the connections on the 3.5 A output terminals on the
Power Supply.
If the electron beam forms a spiral, rotate the tube on the platform until a closed circle is formed. You
may also need to rotate the platform to the right or left to align the magnetic field generated by the
Helmholtz coils with Earth’s magnetic field.
8. On the Tunable DC (Constant Voltage) Power Supply II, adjust the voltage output to the Accelerating Voltage to
optimize the focus and brightness of the electron beam.

Record data

1. Read the current display to find the current IH through the Helmholtz coils. Record the value in Table 1.
2. Read the voltmeter and record the Accelerating Voltage U in Table 1.
3. Measure the radius r of the electron beam’s circular path. Look through the e/m tube at the mirrored scale. To
avoid parallax errors, move your head to align the electron beam in the tube with the reflection of the beam as
you see it in the mirrored scale. Measure the radius of the electron beam path as you see it on both sides of the
scale and average the results. Record the average radius in Table 1.
4. Collect additional trials of data using different accelerating voltages and current through the Helmholtz coils.

Table 1. Data

Analysis of e/m measurements

 The magnetic field B generated in a pair of Helmholtz coils is proportional to the current IH passing through a
single coil. The constant of proportionality k can be determined from the coil radius R and the number of turns
N on the coil with the following equation:

With this expression for B, the initial formula for e/m,

becomes:

In this experiment, R = 158 mm, N = 130 turns per coil, and = 4 ×10-7.
The accepted value of the charge-to-mass ratio e/m is 1.75×1011 C/kg.

Demonstrations

Deflect the beam using an electric field

With no current in the Helmholtz coils, deflect the beam using the deflection plates:
Connect a wire between the Accelerating Voltage positive terminal and the Deflection Plates Upper terminal to
make the electron beam deflect upwards.
Switch the wire to the Deflection Plates Lower terminal to make the electron beam deflect downwards.

Deflect the beam with a permanent magnet

Hold a permanent bar magnet near the tube to show the effect of a magnetic field on the electron beam. Switch
between holding the north end and the south end of the magnet near the beam.

Rotate the tube

Rotate the tube so that it is oriented at an angle with respect to the magnetic field from the Helmholtz coils. As
you rotate the tube, observe how the beam deflection is affected.

Deflect the beam using Earth’s magnetic field

With no magnet and no curent in the Helmholtz coils, rotate the tube or the entire apparatus to see the
deflection of the beam due to the Earth’s magnetic field. Is the direction of the deflection of the beam as you
expect?

Sample data
Table 2. Sample Data

Trial U (V) IH (A) R (mm) e/m (C/kg) % error

1 100 1.0 45.0 1.80×1011 2.5

2 105 1.1 42.5 1.76×1011 -0.3

3 110 1.2 40.0 1.74×1011 -0.9

4 115 1.3 38.0 1.72×1011 -2.2

5 120 1.4 35.5 1.78×1011 0.9

Fuse replacement

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to the instrument, turn the power switch OFF and
disconnect the power cord before replacing a fuse.

1. Disconnect the power cord from the instrument.

2. Open the fuse cover and remove the fuse. The fuse is inside a tray above the AC power cord socket. Use a
small screwdriver or other tool to pry the tray open.

3. Replace the fuse with another fuse of the same type (250 V T2A). One spare fuse is included inside the tray.
4. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the instrument.

Specifications and accessories

Visit the product page at pasco.com/product/SE-9629 to view the specifications and explore accessories. You
can also download support documents from the product page.

Technical support

Need more help? Our knowledgeable and friendly Technical Support staff is ready to answer your questions or
walk you through any issues.

Regulatory information

Limited warranty and limitation of liability

This Brolight product is free from defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover fuses, or damage from accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or
abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Resellers are not authorized to extend any other warranty on
 Brolight’s behalf. To obtain service during the warranty period, return the unit to point of purchase with a
description of the problem.
THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY. NO OTHER WARRANTIES, SUCH AS FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.BROLIGHT IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL,
INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR
THEORY. Since some states or countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of
incidental or consequential damages, this limitation of liability may not apply to you.

Product end-of-life disposal

This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regulations that vary by country and region. It is
your responsibility to recycle your electronic equipment per your local environmental laws and regulations to
ensure that it will be recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. To find out where
you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local waste recycle or disposal
service, or the place where you purchased the product. The European Union WEEE (Waste Electronic and
Electrical Equipment) symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed
of in a standard waste container.
Chat pasco.com
Phone 1-800-772-8700 x1004 (USA)
+1 916 462 8384 (outside USA)
Email [email protected]

Documents / Resources

PASCO SE-9629 Electron Charge to Mass Ratio [pdf] User Guide

SE-9629, SE-9629 Electron Charge to Mass Ratio, Electron Charge to Mass Ratio, Charge to
Mass Ratio, Mass Ratio, Ratio

References

PASCO scientific | Science Lab Equipment and Teacher Resources

e/m Apparatus - SE-9629 - Products | PASCO
e/m Apparatus - SE-9629 - Products | PASCO

Manuals+,