Doubt regarding Force exerted by a magnetic field on a moving charge

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SUMMARY

A charged particle with charge 'q' moving with velocity 'V' in a magnetic field 'B' experiences a force 'F' defined by the equation F = q(V x B). When the velocity 'V' is zero, the force 'F' is also zero. The force experienced by the particle is indeed relative to the magnetic field, as the direction of the velocity with respect to the magnetic flux density affects the force. The force is maximized when the charge moves perpendicular to the field lines, and the scalar form of the equation is |F| = q|v||B|sin(θ), where θ is the angle between the velocity and magnetic field vectors.

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  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, specifically Lorentz force law.
  • Familiarity with vector mathematics, particularly cross products.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between charge, velocity, and magnetic fields.
  • Basic comprehension of relativistic effects in electromagnetism.
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  • Study the Lorentz force law in detail, focusing on its applications in physics.
  • Learn about the electromagnetic transformation of fields in relativistic contexts.
  • Explore the concept of magnetic flux density and its implications in charged particle motion.
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ApuroopS
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a charged particle ( say 'q' ) moving with velocity 'V' in a region containing a magnetic field 'B' experiences a force 'F' given by:

F = q(VxB)

when
V = 0,
then force = 0

my doubt is,
is this velocity relative to the magnetic field ?
( i.e. when the velocity relative to the magnetic field becomes = 0, then force due to the magnetic field on the particle = 0 )


i know this question seems nonsensical...but please answer..thanks
 
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In a sense, yes it is relative to the B field, but this is hidden in the cross product. The magnitude of the velocity affects the amount of force experienced in the B field but the direction of travel with respect to the polarization of the magnetic flux density also matters. If the charge is moving with the magnetic flux's field lines, then there is no force while the force is maximized if the charge moves normal to the field lines. If you want to have the equation in strictly scalar form then,

\left| \mathbf{F} \right| = q \left| \mathbf{v} \right| \left| \mathbf{B} \right| \sin \theta

Where \theta is the angle between the velocity and magnetic flux density vectors.
 
If the observer were moving at a relativistic velocity with respect to a constant E or B field, or a constant E or B field were moving with respect to the observer, then there is an electromagnetic transformation of the longitudinal component that will produce a B or E component. To see the transformations, visit the LBL Particle Data Group website at

http://pdg.lbl.gov/2008/reviews/contents_sports.html

then click on the constants, units, etc. category, then click on the electromagnetic relations section, then look at the last four lines of the table.
 

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