Circle or polygon for charged particle in magnetic field....

In summary, the conversation discusses the path of a charged particle moving perpendicular to a magnetic field. While classically it is described as a circle, quantum mechanics states that the trajectory cannot be defined and may appear as a polygon due to the particle absorbing a "quantum of force" and changing direction.
  • #1
Sven Andersson
38
0
...perpendicular to its path? OK; let's say you have any charged particle moving perpendicular to a magnetic field; does it describe a gigantic polygon or a perfect circle? I think it's a polygon; the particle absorbs a "quantum of force" from the magnetic field, so to speak, and changes direction. It then travels some distance in a straight line and then the process is repeated. Of course the length of a side is incredibly small and macroscopically it will look like a circle.

S.A.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Classically, it is a circle.
Quantum mechanically, a unique trajectory for the particle cannot even be defined.
 

1. How does a charged particle move in a magnetic field?

When a charged particle enters a magnetic field, it experiences a force called the Lorentz force. This force is perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the velocity of the particle, causing the particle to move in a circular or helical path depending on its initial velocity.

2. What determines whether a charged particle moves in a circle or a polygon in a magnetic field?

The shape of the path depends on the strength of the magnetic field and the initial velocity of the particle. If the magnetic field is strong enough and the particle is moving fast enough, it will move in a circular path. Otherwise, it will move in a polygonal path.

3. Why does a charged particle move in a circle or a polygon in a magnetic field?

This is due to the Lorentz force acting on the particle. The force is always perpendicular to the direction of motion, causing the particle to continuously change direction and follow a circular or polygonal path.

4. Can a charged particle move in a straight line in a magnetic field?

No, a charged particle cannot move in a straight line in a magnetic field. The Lorentz force will always cause it to change direction and follow a curved path.

5. How does the shape of the path change if the magnetic field strength is varied?

If the magnetic field strength is increased, the radius of the circular path will decrease. At a certain point, the particle will start moving in a polygonal path. If the magnetic field strength is decreased, the radius of the circular path will increase until the particle moves in a straight line.

Similar threads

B What exactly is spin? Does the standard model work without spin?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
27
Views
2K
A Importance of Densities in QFT
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
804
I How does QM explain that we see electrons circulating in a magnetic field?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
33
Views
2K
B Virtual photons as force carriers
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
29
Views
2K
A Is the quantum mechanics explanation for the propagation of light adequate enough to be understood?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
444
I The electron as a smeared charge density
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
13
Views
2K
I "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
36
Views
1K
I Brownian motion of charged particles?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
8
Views
1K
I Electric and Magnetic Fields, Photons, Charges
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
1K
B Understanding the Charge Field: Effects on Particle Path and Alteration in Space
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
16
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top