Determine the force in z-direction on the gyrocenter of a charged particle

In summary, the conversation is discussing how to determine the force in the z-direction on the gyrocenter of a charged particle in a diverging magnetic field. There is a question about using the Lorentz force and a suggestion to use the effective force equation \vec{F}\,=\,-\mu_m\,\vec{\nabla}B. There is also a mention of deriving this relationship and a clarification that the sign of the equation may be dependent on the charge.
  • #1
Logarythmic
281
0

Homework Statement


Determine the force in z-direction on the gyrocenter of a charged particle in a diverging magnetic field.

[tex]\frac{\partial B}{\partial z} < 0[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Please give me a starter. Could I use the Lorentz force in this case?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Is there a discussion in one's text regarding magnetic force or magnetic pressure on a charged particle?

A short answer - the effective force on a charged particle in a spatially varying magnetic field is given by:

[tex]\vec{F}\,=\,-\mu_m\,\vec{\nabla}B[/tex]

Hopefully one would be able to derive this relationship.
 
  • #3
I did it with the Lorentz Force on the guiding center and got the equation given by Astronuc but with a plus sign. I guess that the sign is dependent on the charge.
 

1. What is a gyrocenter?

A gyrocenter is the center of rotation for a charged particle moving in a magnetic field. It is the point around which the particle's gyration or circular motion occurs.

2. How is the force in z-direction determined on a charged particle's gyrocenter?

The force in the z-direction on a charged particle's gyrocenter is determined using the Lorentz force equation, which takes into account the particle's charge, velocity, and the strength and direction of the magnetic field.

3. Why is it important to determine the force in z-direction on a charged particle's gyrocenter?

Determining the force in z-direction on a charged particle's gyrocenter is important in understanding the particle's motion and behavior in a magnetic field. It can also be used to predict the trajectory of the particle and how it will interact with other particles or structures in the field.

4. Can the force in z-direction on a charged particle's gyrocenter be zero?

Yes, the force in z-direction on a charged particle's gyrocenter can be zero if the particle's velocity is parallel to the magnetic field, or if the particle's charge and the direction of the magnetic field are perpendicular to each other.

5. How does the force in z-direction on a charged particle's gyrocenter affect its overall motion?

The force in z-direction on a charged particle's gyrocenter is responsible for causing the particle to undergo circular motion around the gyrocenter. This force can also impact the particle's velocity and trajectory in the magnetic field.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
752
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
805
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
Back
Top