Here's why:
* Electric Force and Field: The electric field exerts a force on a charged particle. This force is proportional to the charge of the particle and the strength of the electric field.
* Direction of the Force: The force exerted by an electric field on a charge is always parallel to the electric field lines.
* Motion at a Right Angle: Even if the charge is moving perpendicular to the electric field lines, the force will still act in the direction of the field lines. This means the force will cause the charge to accelerate in a direction that is not its initial direction of motion.
Think of it like this:
Imagine a ball rolling across a flat surface. Now imagine a strong wind blowing perpendicular to the ball's motion. The wind will push the ball sideways, changing its direction of motion.
Important Note: While the charge experiences a force, it does not necessarily gain kinetic energy in this scenario. The force does work on the charge, but this work is not necessarily translated into an increase in speed. Instead, the force changes the direction of the charge's motion, causing it to move in a curved path.
