Asked in MDCAT Test Series 16 — Electromagnetism, Induction and Atomic Spectra (18 March 2025) 2025Moderate

An electron of mass "m" and charge "e" is moving in a circle of radius "r" with speed "v" in a uniform magnetic field strength "B".Then:

Correct answer: A. r = \(\frac{mv}{eB}\)

  • A. r = \(\frac{mv}{eB}\)
  • B. r = \(\frac{B}{mv}\)
  • C. r = \(\frac{I}{v}\)
  • D. r = \(\frac{I}{m}\)

Explanation

To find the radius of the circular path of an electron in a magnetic field, equate the magnetic force to the centripetal force. The magnetic force on a moving charge is given by \(F = evB\), where 'e' is the charge, 'v' is the velocity, and 'B' is the magnetic field strength. The centripetal force required for circular motion is \(F = \frac{mv^2}{r}\), where 'm' is the mass of the electron and 'r' is the radius of the circle.Equating these forces gives:\(evB = \frac{mv^2}{r}\)Solving for 'r', we get:\(r = \frac{mv}{eB}\)This is the correct relationship between the radius and the other variables. The other options incorrectly rearrange or introduce irrelevant variables such as current 'I'.

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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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