Question

Describe how charged particles move in uniform magnetic fields. Consider cases where the velocity is perpendicular to the field and when it is not perpendicular to the field. Explain how this principle is used in a mass spectrometer to identify molecules present in an unknown substance.

Answer 1

when a charge particle moves in a magnetic field whose direction is perpendicular to its direction of motion, the charged particle moves in a circle due to the magnetic force acting in perpendicular direction of velocity. hence the charged particles undergoes change in direction but the magnitude of velocity does not change since the force is always perpendicular to the velocity of the charge particle

when charged particle moves in magnetic field which is parallel to its direction of motion, the charged particle experience no force and pass undeflected through it.

when a charge particle moves in a magnetic field whose direction is makes some angle to its direction of motion, the charged particle moves in a helical path due to the magnetic force . the component of velocity perpendicular to the magnetic field makes it to travel in circle due to magnetic force acting while the othet components takes the charged particle forward at constant velocity