Question

Please write the equation for magnetic force on a particle. For each option please say whether the magnetic field could or could not exert a force on a particle and say why, referencing the magnetic force equation.

a) The particle moves perpendicular to the field.

b) The particle is at rest.

c) The particle is charged.

d) The particle moves parallel to the field.

e) The magnitude of the magnetic field changes with time.

Answer 1

equation for magnetic force on a particle is given by

F = q (v×B)

q is electric charge

v is velocity of charge

B is magnetic field.

F is force on charge

In magnitude form

is the angle between v and B

(a) magnetic field could exert a force on particle because

(b) magnetic field could not exert a force on particle because putting v=0 we get F=0

(c) magnetic field could exert a force on particle because q is not zero hence F may not be zero.

(d) magnetic field could not exert a force on particle because

(e) magnetic field could exert a force on particle but force changes with change in magnetic field.