The discussion clarifies that charged particles spiral around magnetic field lines due to the Lorentz force, which acts directly on the particles. The component of the particle's velocity that is perpendicular to the magnetic field (B field) results in circular motion, while the parallel component leads to a helical trajectory. If the parallel velocity is zero, the particle moves in a perfect circle; if non-zero, it spirals along the field lines. This understanding is crucial for analyzing particle behavior in plasma physics.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and researchers in plasma physics will benefit from this discussion on the behavior of charged particles in magnetic fields.
No. It ineracts directly with the particle: the Lorentz forceHarrison G said:Is it because the overal magnetic field interracts with the individual magnetic field of the particle?
Ok, thank you! I think i understand nowBvU said:No. It ineracts directly with the particle: the Lorentz force
The component of the particle velocity that is perpendicular to the B field causes an acceleration that results in a circular trajecetory
The component of the particle velocity that is parallel to the B field is unaffected: if it is zero the particle moves in a circle, if it is non-zero the particle moves in a spiral.