How Does a Magnetic Field Affect a Charged Particle's Motion?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the effects of a magnetic field on a charged particle's motion, specifically a particle with a mass of 7 kg and a charge of 82 micro-Coulombs entering a 9 T magnetic field at a speed of 92 m/s and an angle of 25°. The participant correctly identified that the magnetic field does not do work on the particle (A is false), the x-component of velocity remains unchanged (B is true), the force acts in the -z direction (C is true), the particle follows a helical path (D is true), and the speed remains constant (E is false). The key takeaway is that the magnetic force is always perpendicular to the velocity, resulting in no work being done.

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  • Experience with the right-hand rule for determining force direction in magnetic fields.
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vsage
Another magnetism question

A particle of mass 7 kg carrying a charge of 82 micro-Coulombs enters a uniform B field of intensity 9 T at a speed 92 m/s and at an angle of 25° with respect to the field lines as shown in the figure. (Positive y is up positive x is right the field is pointing in the positive x direction and positive z is coming out of the screen)

True/false

A) The field does a finite amount of work on the particle as the particle's trajectory is bent by the field.
B) The x-component of the particle's velocity is unchanged as it passes through the B-Field.
C) The Force on the particle is in the -z direction.
D) The particle follows a helical path.
E) The particle's speed varies as it passes through the B-Field.

I got these answers:
A. True Work = Fcos(theta) and theta is always 90 degrees
B. False magnitude of speed is always the same but direction changes
C. True - right hand rule
D. True - Force is negative z direction but acts circularly in the plane of the field
E. False - Speed can't vary since the force acts perpendicular to the velocity.

Which ones did I get wrong?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Regarding (A), how can the field do work if the force is perpendicular to the direction of movement?
 

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