Velocity & Force on a Moving Charge in Magnetic Field

In summary, the equation for calculating the velocity of a moving charge in a magnetic field is v = (qB)/m, where v is the velocity, q is the charge of the particle, B is the magnetic field strength, and m is the mass of the particle. The direction of the magnetic field affects the velocity of a moving charge by exerting a force on the charge that is perpendicular to both the direction of the magnetic field and the velocity of the charge. This force causes the charge to move in a circular path, with the velocity perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the force. The force exerted on a moving charge by a magnetic field is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. As the magnetic field strength increases
  • #1
Soaring Crane
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Are there components of the velocity that cannot be determined by measuring the force if one looks at the formula F = q*B*v?
 
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  • #2
Soaring Crane said:
Are there components of the velocity that cannot be determined by measuring the force if one looks at the formula F = q*B*v?
For non-relativistic cases, the vector form of that equation provides all info concerning the force exerted on a moving charge by a magnetic field:
[tex]:\qquad \underline{F} \ = \ q\underline{v}\times \underline{B} [/tex]


~~
 
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  • #3


Yes, there are components of velocity that cannot be determined by measuring the force using the formula F = q*B*v. This formula only gives the magnitude of the force experienced by a charged particle moving in a magnetic field, but it does not provide information about the direction of the velocity or the magnetic field. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the individual components of the velocity (i.e. the x, y, and z components) using this formula alone. Other factors such as the angle between the velocity and the magnetic field, as well as the strength and direction of the magnetic field, also play a role in determining the motion of the charged particle. To fully understand the behavior of a charged particle in a magnetic field, additional equations and considerations are needed, such as the Lorentz force law and the right-hand rule.
 

1. What is the equation for calculating the velocity of a moving charge in a magnetic field?

The equation for calculating the velocity of a moving charge in a magnetic field is v = (qB)/m, where v is the velocity, q is the charge of the particle, B is the magnetic field strength, and m is the mass of the particle.

2. How does the direction of the magnetic field affect the velocity of a moving charge?

The direction of the magnetic field affects the velocity of a moving charge by exerting a force on the charge that is perpendicular to both the direction of the magnetic field and the velocity of the charge. This force causes the charge to move in a circular path, with the velocity perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the force.

3. What is the relationship between the magnetic field strength and the force exerted on a moving charge?

The force exerted on a moving charge by a magnetic field is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. As the magnetic field strength increases, the force on the charge also increases.

4. Can the velocity of a charged particle in a magnetic field ever be zero?

No, the velocity of a charged particle in a magnetic field can never be zero. This is because the magnetic force on the particle is always perpendicular to its velocity, causing it to continuously move in a circular path.

5. How can the direction of the magnetic force on a moving charge be determined?

The direction of the magnetic force on a moving charge can be determined using the "right hand rule". With the thumb pointing in the direction of the velocity, and the fingers pointing in the direction of the magnetic field, the direction of the force can be determined by the direction the palm is facing.

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