Magnetic Field Physics Example 4
Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.
Example 4
hardA proton (, ) enters a uniform magnetic field of at with a speed of . Calculate: (a) the magnetic force, (b) the radius of its circular path.
Solution
- 1 (a) .
- 2 (b) The magnetic force provides centripetal force: , so .
- 3 .
Answer
A charged particle moving perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field follows a circular path. The magnetic force is always perpendicular to the velocity (doing no work), so it changes direction but not speed. This principle underlies cyclotrons and mass spectrometers.
About Magnetic Field
A vector field around magnets and moving charges that exerts force on other moving charges and magnetic materials.
Learn more about Magnetic Field →More Magnetic Field Examples
Example 1 medium
A proton ([formula]) moves at [formula] perpendicular to a magnetic field of [formula]. What force d
Example 2 hardA wire carrying [formula] of current is [formula] long and placed perpendicular to a [formula] magne
Example 3 mediumAn electron moves at [formula] at [formula] to a [formula] magnetic field. What is the magnetic forc