Charge moving through a magnetic field

In summary, the reason for the perpendicular force on a charge moving through a magnetic field is due to Maxwell's equations and our observed experiences. This can be seen in the example of two parallel wires with a current running through them, where the force between them is perpendicular to the current and the magnetic field. This concept also applies to a point charge moving along the same path as the current. As for the explanation of electrostatic forces and virtual photons, it is not entirely clear how these account for the resulting net force between two electrons. Additionally, it is not fully understood why neutral particles do not exhibit the same behavior with these photons.
  • #1
jasonrindy
1
0
I was wondering if anybody knows or has any ideas as to why the force on a charge as it moves through a magnetic field is perpendicular to the velocity and field direction. Thanks
 
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  • #2
2 answers...

First answer: Because Maxwell's equations are constructed that way.

Second answer: Because it is what we experience.

Take for example a long thin wire oriented vertically with a current moving in the up direction. This would create a B field in the (+) theta-hat direction for a right handed coordiate system. Now, let's have another wire traveling parallel to the first, at some distance away. In this manner, the B field intersects the second wire perpendicularly. If a current is run parallel to the first wire in the second wire, the electrons moving in the wire feel an attractive force between the wires. This is a force that is perpendicular to the B field and the direction of the current. Thus: if a point charge moving along the path of the second wire replaces it in the above system, it acts just like the current in the wire. It similarly feels a force perpendicular both to its direction and the direction of the imposed B field.

Hope this helps.
-F
 
  • #3
Ive read an explanation of electrostatic forces where the momentum of virtual photons point back to the originating electron accounting for the attractive force between two electrons. Why a net force results is not clear to me. I would also like to know how these photons account for forces experienced by moving charges, and why neutral particles don't generate these same photons or if they do why they don't exhibit the same assymetrical behaviour.
 

What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is a region in space where a magnetic force is experienced by a magnetic material or a moving electric charge.

How does charge move through a magnetic field?

When a charged particle enters a magnetic field, it experiences a force perpendicular to both the direction of the particle's motion and the direction of the magnetic field. This force causes the particle to move in a curved path, known as a Lorentz force.

What factors affect the motion of charge in a magnetic field?

The strength of the magnetic field, the velocity of the charged particle, and the angle between the direction of motion and the direction of the magnetic field all affect the motion of charge in a magnetic field.

Can a magnetic field change the speed of a moving charge?

No, a magnetic field can only change the direction of a moving charge, not its speed. This is because the magnetic force on a charged particle is always perpendicular to its velocity, so it cannot do work and change the particle's kinetic energy.

What are some practical applications of charge moving through a magnetic field?

Some practical applications include electric motors and generators, particle accelerators, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and cathode ray tubes (CRTs) used in old televisions and computer monitors.

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