Why doesn't the magnetic force change the velocity of a particle?

Well actually, it does. Remember that the velocity is a vector and so is the force. Since F=ma, the acceleration due to a given force points in the same direction as the force itself. The magnetic force is perpendicular to the direction of motion, and hence so will the acceleration. And we know that when the acceleration is perpendicular to the velocity of a particle, it undergoes uniform circular motion. So, the magnitude of the velocity remains unchanged when the particle is acted upon solely by a magnetic force. Yet, as we just said, the velocity is a vector and hence it is defined by both is magnitude and direction. Since the direction changes, the velocity vector also does change. We call such an acceleration (which is always perpendicular to the velocity) normal or centripetal, as it makes the particle circle around a certain point.

AS
Answered by Ana S. Physics tutor

2903 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

David left his basketball outside overnight. At 1am the volume of air within the ball was 1.2m^3 and the outdoor temperature was 5 degrees Celsius. At 3am the temperature was -7 degrees Celsius. What is the volume of air inside the ball at 3am?


What is the structure of atoms


A mass of 2kg is dropped from rest at a height of 10m. i) What is the initial GPE of the mass? ii) What is the final velocity of the mass when it hits the ground?


Discuss how X-rays and Ultrasound can be used for medical purposes, including their advantages and disadvantages.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences