1. Magnetic Force:
* A magnetic field exerts a force on a moving charged particle.
* This force is perpendicular to both the direction of the particle's velocity and the direction of the magnetic field.
* The magnitude of the magnetic force is given by: F = qvBsinθ, where:
* F is the magnetic force
* q is the charge of the particle
* v is the velocity of the particle
* B is the magnetic field strength
* θ is the angle between the velocity and the magnetic field
2. Curved Path:
* Since the magnetic force is perpendicular to the velocity, it does not change the speed of the particle, only its direction.
* This constant perpendicular force causes the particle to move in a circular or helical path.
* Circular Path: If the velocity is perpendicular to the magnetic field (θ = 90°), the particle will move in a circle. The radius of this circle is determined by the particle's mass, charge, velocity, and the strength of the magnetic field.
* Helical Path: If the velocity is at an angle to the magnetic field, the particle will move in a helix. The helix has a radius determined by the perpendicular component of velocity and a pitch determined by the parallel component of velocity.
3. Right-Hand Rule:
* The direction of the magnetic force can be determined using the right-hand rule:
* Point your fingers in the direction of the particle's velocity.
* Curl your fingers towards the direction of the magnetic field.
* Your thumb will point in the direction of the magnetic force on a positive charge. For a negative charge, the force is in the opposite direction.
In summary:
The magnetic force acts perpendicular to the velocity of a charged particle, causing it to change direction without changing its speed. This constant force results in a curved path, either circular or helical, depending on the angle between the velocity and the magnetic field.
