A charged particle entering a uniform magnetic field at right angles to it follows
Correct answer: C. a circular path
- A. a straight line
- B. a parabola
- C. a circular path
- D. a spiral of increasing radius
Explanation
The magnetic force is always perpendicular to the velocity, so it changes direction without changing speed, which is exactly the condition for uniform circular motion. Setting qvB equal to mv squared over r gives a radius of mv over qB, the relation on which the mass spectrometer and the cyclotron depend. A particle entering at an angle follows a helix instead.
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About Charged Particle in a Magnetic Field
A charged particle moving through a magnetic field experiences the Lorentz force, which is perpendicular to both its velocity and the field. The motion may be circular or helical, with questions involving radius, angular frequency, time period, and work done. A stationary charge feels no magnetic force.
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