Physlet Illustration: Motion of a Charged Particle in A Magnetic Field

 

 

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v =  m/s B =  Tesla q =   milliCoulomb
In this simulation , a 1.0 kg charged particle, initially moving with a horizontal velocity between -50 m/s and +50 m/s in a region of space where a uniform magnetic field exists.  Each division on the screen is 1.0 m. You may change the initial speed, the magnetic field (-100 to 100 T (up is positive)), and the particle's charge (-100 to 100 milliCoulombs).  How does the magnetic force on the particle depend on velocity, charge, and magnetic field?

Hints

  1. Begin by changing one variable at a time.  Keeping v and B fixed, increase q until the particle moves in tighter and tighter circles.
  2. Change the sign of the charge.  What happens to the trajectory?
  3. Now change the magnetic field.  What happens to the trajectory?  What happens when the field points downward?
  4. With B and q fixed, try changing the velocity.  What happens to the trajectory?  Is this consistent with a velocity dependent force?
  5. Don't forget to use the right-hand rule to find the direction of the force.

Reference

See Walker, Section 22-2

Illustration written by Chuck Niederriter