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Magnetism
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Section 4

Motion of a Charged Particle in a Magnetic Field

Book Version 3
By Boundless
Boundless Physics
Physics
by Boundless
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5 concepts
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Electric vs. Magnetic Forces

Electric and magnetic forces both affect the trajectory of charged particles, but in qualitatively different ways.

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Constant Velocity Produces a Straight-Line

If a charged particle's velocity is parallel to the magnetic field, there is no net force and the particle moves in a straight line.

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Circular Motion

Since the magnetic force is always perpendicular to the velocity of a charged particle, the particle will undergo circular motion.

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Helical Motion

Helical motion results when the velocity vector is not perpendicular to the magnetic field vector.

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Examples and Applications

Cyclotrons, magnetrons, and mass spectrometers represent practical technological applications of electromagnetic fields.

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