What Causes Charged Particles to Spiral in a Magnetic Field?

[Harrison G]

Homework Statement

Hi! How does a charged particle spiral around a magnetic field lines? Is it because the overal magnetic field interracts with the individual magnetic field of the particle? For example if a piece of metal is put inside magnetic field, the electrons will interract with the field and line up with it. Maybe the same process causes them to spiral around a magnetic field line in plasma?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[BvU]

Is it because the overal magnetic field interracts with the individual magnetic field of the particle?

No. It ineracts directly with the particle: the Lorentz force
The component of the particle velocity that is perpendicular to the B field causes an acceleration that results in a circular trajecetory
The component of the particle velocity that is parallel to the B field is unaffected: if it is zero the particle moves in a circle, if it is non-zero the particle moves in a spiral.

 

[Harrison G]

No. It ineracts directly with the particle: the Lorentz force
The component of the particle velocity that is perpendicular to the B field causes an acceleration that results in a circular trajecetory
The component of the particle velocity that is parallel to the B field is unaffected: if it is zero the particle moves in a circle, if it is non-zero the particle moves in a spiral.

Ok, thank you! I think i understand now