Test charge in electric and magnetic field

AI Thread Summary
A proton placed at the origin in a uniform electric field along the Y axis and a magnetic field along the Z axis will initially accelerate in the direction of the electric field, which is down the Y axis. Initially at rest, the proton experiences no magnetic force until it begins to move. Once in motion, the magnetic force becomes nonzero and acts orthogonally to both the velocity and the magnetic field. The proton will eventually reach a state where the magnetic force balances the electric force, resulting in a constant velocity along the X axis while maintaining a negative Y position. Thus, the proton's motion is ultimately constrained by the interplay of these forces.
FireStorm000
Messages
168
Reaction score
0
Consider an proton placed at the origin; a uniform electric field exists along the Y axis, and a uniform magnetic field along the Z axis. In what direction does the proton accelerate? My intuition is that it accelerates along the X axis, normal to both fields, but I'm not sure. Can anyone derive a solution?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
"Placed at the origin" implies to me that the proton is initially at rest.

In what directions are the initial electric, magnetic and net forces on the proton?

What happens after the proton starts to move (how do the forces change)?
 
jtbell said:
"Placed at the origin" implies to me that the proton is initially at rest.

In what directions are the initial electric, magnetic and net forces on the proton?

What happens after the proton starts to move (how do the forces change)?

Well initially velocity is zero, so the magnetic force is also zero. But as soon as it starts moving, the magnetic force is nonzero, so I'm not sure. I guess it should initially accelerate in the direction of the E field, then turn along the X axis.

Edit: To clarify, Force due to the E field will always be down(-Y), and Magnetic Force will be orthogonal to both B and V, as per the RHR
Additionally, because the B field can't do work, the charge can never move above the X axis, and velocity will be a function of it's Y position.

And... I guess I answered my own question. There will be an asymtote such that Magnetic force is equal and opposite electric force, and the charge stops accelerating, with velocity along the X axis, and a negative Y position.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top