Force on Moving Charge in a Magnetic Field
Force on moving charge in a magnetic field
Consider a moving unit positive charge is placed in a magnetic field B with charge +q moving with velocity v making angle θ with the magnetic field.
Here, the charge experiences a force that is perpendicular to the plane of B and v. Experimentally it is found that magnitude of magnetic force F is:
-
directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge
F ∝ q
- directly proportional to the velocity of the charge
F ∝ v
- directly proprtional to strength of magnetic field
F ∝ B
- directly proportional to sine of angle between v and B
F ∝ sinθ
Combining above equations, we get
F ∝ qvBsinθ
or, F = kqvBsinθ
where, k is proportionality constant and its value is 1 in SI - units. So, we have force,
F = qvBsinθ
In vector form,
The force is perpendicular toand. This force is called Lorentz magnetic force. We see that F is perpendicular to the plane containing v and B.
Since F acts perpendicular to v and B, so F is a deflecting force. It doesn't change the magnitude of v, but change the direction of motion of the charge when it enters the field B. Since F is perpendicular to displacement of charge, no work is done by F. So, no energy is gained by the charge when it enters the field B and F acts on it.
Reference taken from ' Principle of Physics' - Ayam Publication