Motion of charged particle in a magnetic field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the motion of a positive point charge \( q \) with mass \( m \) injected into a uniform magnetic field \( B = B_0 i \) with an initial velocity \( u_0 = \mu_0 j \). The charge experiences a magnetic force \( F_m = q(u_0 \times B) = q \mu_0 B_0 k \), resulting in a semicircular trajectory in the \( yz \)-plane. The velocity remains constant while the direction changes due to the magnetic force, leading to a circular motion until the particle exits the magnetic field, at which point it continues in a straight line in the direction of its last velocity vector.

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  • Understanding of Lorentz force and its application in charged particle motion.
  • Familiarity with vector cross products in physics.
  • Knowledge of circular motion and centripetal force concepts.
  • Basic principles of magnetic fields and their effects on charged particles.
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  • Study the derivation of the Lorentz force equation in electromagnetic theory.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as engineers working with charged particle dynamics in magnetic fields.

big man
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OK first off here is the problem.

problem: A positive point charge q of mass m is injected with a velocity [tex]u_0 = \mu_0 j[/tex] into the y > 0 region where a uniform magnetic field [tex]B = B_0 i[/tex] exists. Obtain the equation of motion of the charge, and describe the path that the charge follows.

i, j and k represent unit vectors in the direction of the x, y and z axes.

Now I understand that the path will be a semicircle from the theory of the motion of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field and since y > 0 and I know that the force experienced by the particle will be in the z direction.

[tex]F_m = q(u_0 X B) = q \mu_0 B_0 k[/tex]

The velocity is going to be constant, but the motion will vary with time in the z direction I think? Obviously my problem is that I'm not too sure of how to solve for the equation of motion in this problem. I guess one of the reasons why I'm finding this so difficult is I can't even visualise it properly.

Any help to put me on the right track would be great.

Thanks

EDIT: I can get the answer by simply equating the centripetal and magnetic forces and then substituting [tex]R= \frac {m \mu_0} {q B_0}[/tex] into the general equation of a semicircle, but I don't think this is how they want you to do it.
 
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[tex]u_0 = \mu_0 j[/tex] That's the initial velocity when it enters the magnetic field.

The velocity does not remain in the j-direction though. The particle accelerates, i.e. changes direction.

If the 'speed' is constant, what can one say about the trajectory?

If it leaves the magnetic field, it will travel in a straight line in the direction of the velocity vector where it leaves the M field, unless subject some other E or M field, not parallel with the velocity.
 

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