Magnetic Field Deflection: Why No Work Done?

[artupayam]

A magnetic field deflects an electron beam, but it can not do any work on the beam. Why?

a. since the magnetic force on the beam is zero
b. since the acceleration of the beam is zero
c. since the magnetic force is perpendicular to the trace of the beam
d. none of them

 

[Doc Al]

What formula describes the magnetic force on a moving charge?

 

[TheloniousMONK]

Recall that the formula for a force of a magnetic field on a charged particle is given by:

F = qv X B , where v and B are vectors.

Also recall the properties of cross products of vectors.

 

[artupayam]

Wrong Answer

Initially I chose d. since the magnetic force is perpendicular to the velocity of the beam. But it was the wrong answer so I took it off from the choices.

 

[Doc Al]

What do you think "trace of the beam" means? How does that relate to velocity?

 

[rsk]

Artupayam, it seems to me you were thinking along the right lines ... not sure why that didn't lead you to the right answer.

You should be able to eliminate 2 more by default. So only possible answer is..?

 

[artupayam]

Ok I see, thanks you guys.