Asked in Premeth MDCAT 2025 LR-04 — Electromagnetism, Transition Elements 2025Moderate

A charged particle moving with velocity v, enters a uniform magnetic field B. The direction of v is perpendicular to B. What is the path of the charged particle inside the magnetic field?

Correct answer: B. Circular

  • A. Parabolic
  • B. Circular
  • C. Parallel to v
  • D. Parallel to B

Explanation

Option A) Parabolic is not correct because a parabolic path would require an additional force acting on the charged particle, which is not present in this scenario.Option B) A charged particle experiences a force when moving through a magnetic field. Since the magnetic force is perpendicular to the direction of travel, a charged particle follows a curved path in a magnetic field. The particle continues to follow this curved path until it forms a complete circle.Option C) Parallel to v is not correct because the magnetic force is perpendicular to both the velocity and the magnetic field, and hence the charged particle cannot move parallel to either of them.Option D) Parallel to B is not correct because the magnetic force is perpendicular to both the velocity and the magnetic field, and hence the charged particle cannot move parallel to either of them.

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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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