A charged particle moves perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field. What is the

Practice Questions

Q1
A charged particle moves perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field. What is the path of the particle? (2021)
  1. Straight line
  2. Circle
  3. Ellipse
  4. Parabola

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

A charged particle moves perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field. What is the path of the particle? (2021)
  • Step 1: Understand that a charged particle is an object with an electric charge, like an electron or a proton.
  • Step 2: Recognize that a uniform magnetic field is a region where the magnetic force is the same in strength and direction at every point.
  • Step 3: Know that when a charged particle moves, it experiences a magnetic force if it is moving through a magnetic field.
  • Step 4: Remember that the direction of the magnetic force is always perpendicular (at a right angle) to both the direction of the particle's motion and the direction of the magnetic field.
  • Step 5: Realize that this perpendicular force causes the particle to change direction continuously, resulting in circular motion.
  • Step 6: Conclude that the path of the charged particle will be a circle because the magnetic force acts as a centripetal force, keeping the particle in circular motion.
  • Magnetic Force and Motion – A charged particle experiences a magnetic force when moving through a magnetic field, which causes it to follow a circular path if the motion is perpendicular to the field.
  • Centripetal Force – The magnetic force acts as a centripetal force, keeping the particle in circular motion.
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