How does the path change for a charged particle in a magnetic field?

Since the magnetic force is perpendicular to the direction of travel, a charged particle follows a curved path in a magnetic field. The magnetic force is perpendicular to the velocity, so velocity changes in direction but not magnitude. The result is uniform circular motion.

Can a magnetic field increase the speed of a moving particle?

One basic feature of magnetism is that, in the vicinity of a magnetic field, a moving charge will experience a force. Thus magnetic forces cause charged particles to change their direction of motion, but they do not change the speed of the particle. …

What is the path of a charge?

The electric charge will therefore follow a circular pathway around some fixed point. If the charge is positive and the magnetic field points into the page, the charge will follow a counterclockwise direction while a negative charge will follow a clockwise direction (apply the right hand rule).

Does magnetic field affect charged particle?

The magnetic force does no work on a charged particle. Therefore a magnetic field cannot be used to increase the energy of a charged particle. If v and B are perpendicular the particle will move in a circular path. (If v also has a component along the direction of B the path will be a helix).

Why is the path of a charged particle not a circle when its velocity is not perpendicular to the magnetic field?

If a charged particle moves in a region of a uniform magnetic field such that its velocity is not perpendicular to the magnetic field, then the velocity of the particle is split up into two components. Hence the path of the particle is not a circle; it is helical around the field lines.

Does magnetic field change kinetic energy?

A constant magnetic field does zero work on a moving charge and therefore cannot change its kinetic energy—the speed of a particle with constant kinetic energy must also be constant.