Charged particle in a cloud chamber?

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SUMMARY

When a charged particle enters a magnetic field in a cloud chamber, it moves in a circular path due to the magnetic force acting as a centripetal force. This phenomenon is governed by the right-hand rule, which helps determine the direction of the force on the charged particle. The magnetic field interacts with the particle's velocity, specifically the component that is perpendicular to the field, continuously altering its trajectory. This results in the particle's consistent circular motion rather than a straight line.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and their properties
  • Familiarity with the right-hand rule for determining force direction
  • Knowledge of centripetal force and its role in circular motion
  • Basic concepts of charged particles and their behavior in electromagnetic fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electromagnetism, focusing on Lorentz force law
  • Learn about the right-hand rule and its applications in physics
  • Explore the concept of centripetal force in detail, including mathematical formulations
  • Investigate the behavior of charged particles in various magnetic field configurations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators looking for clear explanations of charged particle behavior in magnetic fields.

chem_is_lovex
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Homework Statement


when a charged particle enters a magnetic field in a cloud chamber, why does it move in a circular path instead of straight line? I have no idea why. please help


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


it has something to do with the r changing? as I said, I have no idea.
 
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chem_is_lovex said:

Homework Statement


when a charged particle enters a magnetic field in a cloud chamber, why does it move in a circular path instead of straight line? I have no idea why. please help


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


it has something to do with the r changing? as I said, I have no idea.

Do you know the rules governing moving charges in uniform B fields and how the direction of the Force is oriented? Some use the right hand rule? Is this familiar?
 
As pgardn mentions above, a magnetic field interacts with a charged particle in quite a peculiar way. Similar to a ball being spun on a string, the magnetic field exerts a centripetal force to the component of the charge's velocity that is perpendicular to the field (whew. that sounded like a lot to digest!). What this basically means is that the magnetic force exerted on the charge always alters the charge's path, making it move in a circular path instead of a straight line.
 

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