Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2012 2012Moderate

When a charged particle enters a uniform magnetic field, there is a change in:

Correct answer: C. Direction of velocity

  • A. Kinetic energy
  • B. Magnitude of velocity
  • C. Direction of velocity
  • D. All of these

Explanation

When a charged particle enters a uniform magnetic field, the magnetic force acts perpendicular to the velocity of the particle. This perpendicular force results in the particle's path bending, changing only the direction of the velocity while keeping its magnitude constant. Since the magnetic force does not do work on the particle, its kinetic energy remains unchanged. Therefore, the correct answer is that only the direction of velocity changes. Options A and B are incorrect because neither the kinetic energy nor the magnitude of velocity changes. Option D is incorrect because not all quantities change; only the direction of velocity is affected.

Last updated

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.

Practise Electromagnetism

1,176 free Electromagnetism MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Physics questions like this

Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions