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

2865 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is meant by the conservation of energy?


The time taken for a wave to pass a point is 2.5 seconds. What is the frequency of the wave?


Find the wavelength of a radio wave if the frequency is 11 x 10 ^6 Hz and the speed of radio waves in air is 3 x 10 ^8 m/s.


What provides the centripetal force on a satellite and what are the factors that determine the size of the centripetal force on the satellite


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences