A student is investigating how the magnitude of the magnetic force acting on a moving…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences
Problem
A student is investigating how the magnitude of the magnetic force acting on a moving charge depends on various physical parameters.
(i) State the expression for the magnitude of the magnetic force acting on a charge moving in a uniform magnetic field and clearly identify each symbol.
(ii) Keeping the charge, its speed, and the magnetic field strength fixed, explain qualitatively how the magnitude of the force changes as the angle between the velocity vector and the magnetic field is varied from 0∘ to 180∘. Give reasons for the variation you describe.
(iii) Draw a neat, labelled graph showing the variation of the force magnitude with the angle θ between 0∘ and 180∘. Mark on the graph the angles at which the force is maximum, minimum, and zero.