- #1
Motion of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter bobsmith76
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SUMMARY
A charged particle in a uniform magnetic field moves in a circular path due to the perpendicular magnetic force acting on it. This force, often referred to as the centripetal force, continuously alters the direction of the particle's velocity without changing its speed. The discussion clarifies that the sideways force does not prevent straight-line motion; instead, it causes the particle to turn, resulting in circular motion as it experiences this force at every point along its trajectory.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly Newton's laws of motion
- Familiarity with magnetic fields and Lorentz force
- Knowledge of centripetal force and circular motion
- Basic vector analysis to comprehend force direction and motion
- Study the Lorentz force equation and its implications on charged particles
- Explore the concept of centripetal acceleration in detail
- Investigate the behavior of charged particles in varying magnetic field strengths
- Learn about applications of charged particle motion in devices like cyclotrons and mass spectrometers
Students of physics, educators explaining electromagnetic theory, and professionals working in fields involving particle dynamics and magnetic applications.
- #2
bobsmith76
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ok, I'm starting to think that it's just a brute fact. that's just the way particles behave in a magnetic field and no explanation can be offered.
- #3
tiny-tim
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hi bobsmith76! 
but that F force in your diagram is always sideways …
but that F force in your diagram is always sideways …
if you believe the diagram, then how can the particle go straight when there's a sideways force on it? 
- #4
RobinSky
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Think of it like this, the particle is feeling the force on the side, it makes it turn (but the velocity will not change). So now consider the same particle in a new point in the system, your particle has turned for a little bit, and now still feels the force on it's side, which will make it continue to turn.
Now do this for all following points that exist in it's path, and you will see it will continue to move in a circle.
As the diagram says, the force is always perpendicular to the direction it's moving.
Think of a centripetal force, if that makes it more easy.
Now do this for all following points that exist in it's path, and you will see it will continue to move in a circle.
As the diagram says, the force is always perpendicular to the direction it's moving.
Think of a centripetal force, if that makes it more easy.
- #5
bobsmith76
- 336
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ok, i get it now. thanks.
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