Trajectory of charged particles in a magnetic field?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the trajectory of charged particles in a magnetic field, specifically addressing the circular motion described by Griffiths in his textbook. While Griffiths asserts that the motion is circular, participants highlight that charged particles radiate energy due to acceleration, leading to a spiral inward trajectory. The concept of synchrotron radiation is introduced as a key factor in energy loss, with references to Griffiths's 3rd edition, particularly Problem 11.16 on page 465, which explores power loss when velocity and acceleration are perpendicular.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory
  • Familiarity with Griffiths's "Introduction to Electrodynamics" (3rd edition)
  • Knowledge of synchrotron radiation principles
  • Basic concepts of circular motion in magnetic fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of power loss in synchrotron radiation from Griffiths's Problem 11.16
  • Research the mathematical formulation of circular motion in magnetic fields
  • Explore the implications of energy loss in charged particle accelerators
  • Investigate applications of synchrotron radiation in modern physics experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students of electromagnetism, physicists studying particle dynamics, and researchers interested in synchrotron radiation and its applications in experimental physics.

Adeonaja
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A charge is entering magnetic field perpendicularly! Griffiths says it motion will be circular! But it is accelerated so it must radiate energy and it's motion should be spiral inward?
 
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Google for "synchrotron radiation"; it does indeed lose energy. Without an exact citation we can't be sure, but chances are that Griffith is considering a situation in which the energy loss to radiation and deviation from the zero-energy-loss trajectory are small enough to ignore.
 
Nugatory said:
Google for "synchrotron radiation"
Or look in Griffiths's chapter on radiation near the end of the book. :oldwink:

In my copy of the 3rd edition, he considers synchrotron radiation in Problem 11.16 on page 465, which asks the student to derive the power loss when ##\vec v## and ##\vec a## are perpendicular.
 
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