What path would a charge moving in the x-y plane track, in the presence of a uniform magnetic field out of the page?

The magnetic force on a moving charge is always perpendicular to the directions of both velocity and B-field vectors. This means that in the presence of a uniform magnetic field, a particle will experience a constant force that is always at right angles to its tangential velocity. This is precisely what is required for a body to undergo circular motion! If you like, you can imagine a ball attached to one end of the string, with the other end secured on a tabletop with a pin. If you give the ball an initial velocity it will start moving in a circular arc. The force the string exerts to the ball has the same characteristics as the magnetic force described in the first paragraph. The origin of the two force is of course very different and yet the motion itself is identical.[DIAGRAM]

AH
Answered by Arsenios H. Physics tutor

1642 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

The roar of a tiger in a zoo can be heard by visitors at the entrance, even though the tiger can not be seen because there is a hill in the way. Name and explain this effect.


Why does gravitational potential energy have a negative value?


If a 10N tension force is exerted on a steel beam (E = 200 GPa) with cross-sectional area 1cm^2, what is the stress acting on the beam? What is the change in length of the beam, if the beam is 10cm long?


What velocity should your boat have if you want to cross a 72m wide river in 6s by the shortest distance, with a 5 m/s downstream current?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences