Embedded Files
Magnetic Force on
The Magnetic Force on a Charged Particle
The Magnetic Force on a Charged Particle
When a charged particle (like an electron or a proton) moves through a magnetic field, it experiences a force. Unlike the electric force which acts in the same direction as the electric field, the magnetic force always acts perpendicular to both the particle's velocity and the magnetic field itself. This force is what causes charged particles to curve or spiral in a magnetic field. 🌀
The Equation and the Right-Hand Rule
The Equation and the Right-Hand Rule
The magnitude of this force is determined by the following equation:
F=∣q∣vBsin(θ)
Where:
F is the magnetic force, measured in Newtons (N).
∣q∣ is the magnitude of the particle's charge, measured in Coulombs (C).
v is the particle's velocity, measured in meters per second (m/s).
B is the strength of the magnetic field, measured in Teslas (T).
θ is the angle between the velocity vector (v) and the magnetic field vector (B).
The direction of the magnetic force is found using the Right-Hand Rule. For a positive charge:
Point your thumb in the direction of the particle's velocity (v).
Point your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field (B).
Your palm will push in the direction of the force (F).
For a negative charge, the force is in the exact opposite direction of what your right hand predicts.
Report abuse