A research satellite releases a small test charge into a region of space containing a…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Moving Charges and Magnetism · Moving Charges and Magnetism
Problem
A research satellite releases a small test charge into a region of space containing a uniform magnetic field. The experimenters fire miniature thrusters to vary only the angle between the velocity of the test charge and the magnetic field. In every trial the speed of the charge and the strength of the magnetic field remain unchanged.
(a) When the velocity of the charge is exactly parallel to the magnetic field, the onboard sensors detect no magnetic force. Explain, in terms of vector relationships, why no magnetic force is measured in this situation.
(b) In a second trial the velocity is oriented perpendicular to the magnetic field. Describe the orientation of the magnetic force relative to both the velocity and the field, and explain why the magnitude of the force is maximized under these conditions.
(c) If the charge released in the perpendicular trial were negative instead of positive, describe how the direction of the magnetic force would differ, if at all. Justify your answer.