A charged particle moves in a magnetic field. What is the path of the particle i
Practice Questions
Q1
A charged particle moves in a magnetic field. What is the path of the particle if it enters the field perpendicular to the lines of force? (2019)
Straight line
Circular path
Elliptical path
Parabolic path
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A charged particle moves in a magnetic field. What is the path of the particle if it enters the field perpendicular to the lines of force? (2019)
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 magnetic field is an area around a magnet where magnetic forces can be felt.
Step 3: Know that when a charged particle enters a magnetic field, it experiences a force due to the magnetic field.
Step 4: If the charged particle enters the magnetic field at a right angle (perpendicular) to the magnetic field lines, the force will act sideways, not forward.
Step 5: This sideways force causes the particle to change direction continuously, making it move in a circular path.
Step 6: The magnetic force acts as a centripetal force, which keeps the particle moving in a circle.
Magnetic Force on Charged Particles – A charged particle experiences a magnetic force when moving through a magnetic field, which is perpendicular to both the velocity of the particle and the magnetic field lines.
Centripetal Motion – The magnetic force acts as a centripetal force, causing the particle to move in a circular path when it enters the magnetic field perpendicularly.