- #1
Motion of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field
- Thread starter bobsmith76
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In summary, the experts in the conversation discuss why a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field moves in a circle instead of continuing straight. They consider the force acting on the particle and how it causes the particle to turn, ultimately resulting in a circular motion. The experts conclude that this behavior is a brute fact and cannot be explained further.
- #2
bobsmith76
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ok, I'm starting to think that it's just a brute fact. that's just the way particles behave in a magnetic field and no explanation can be offered.
- #3
tiny-tim
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hi bobsmith76! 
but that F force in your diagram is always sideways …
but that F force in your diagram is always sideways …
if you believe the diagram, then how can the particle go straight when there's a sideways force on it?
- #4
RobinSky
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Think of it like this, the particle is feeling the force on the side, it makes it turn (but the velocity will not change). So now consider the same particle in a new point in the system, your particle has turned for a little bit, and now still feels the force on it's side, which will make it continue to turn.
Now do this for all following points that exist in it's path, and you will see it will continue to move in a circle.
As the diagram says, the force is always perpendicular to the direction it's moving.
Think of a centripetal force, if that makes it more easy.
Now do this for all following points that exist in it's path, and you will see it will continue to move in a circle.
As the diagram says, the force is always perpendicular to the direction it's moving.
Think of a centripetal force, if that makes it more easy.
- #5
bobsmith76
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ok, i get it now. thanks.
What is the equation for the motion of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field?
The equation for the motion of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field is given by F = qvB, where F is the magnetic force, q is the charge of the particle, v is its velocity, and B is the magnetic field.
How does the direction of the magnetic force on a charged particle depend on its velocity?
The direction of the magnetic force on a charged particle is always perpendicular to both the velocity of the particle and the direction of the magnetic field. This means that the particle will undergo circular motion if its initial velocity is perpendicular to the magnetic field, or helical motion if its initial velocity has a component parallel to the magnetic field.
What happens to the motion of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field if the field strength is increased?
If the field strength is increased, the radius of the circular motion of the particle will decrease, and the particle will travel at a higher speed. If the field strength is decreased, the radius of the circular motion will increase, and the particle will travel at a lower speed.
How does the mass of a charged particle affect its motion in a uniform magnetic field?
The mass of the charged particle does not affect its motion in a uniform magnetic field. The only factors that affect its motion are the charge of the particle, its velocity, and the strength and direction of the magnetic field.
What is the relationship between the radius of the circular motion of a charged particle and the strength of the magnetic field?
The radius of the circular motion of a charged particle is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. This means that if the magnetic field is doubled, the radius of the circular motion will also double.
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