Motion of charged particle in electric and magnetic field (in the simultaneous presence of both ) has variety of manifestations ranging from straight line motion to the cycloid and other complex motion. Both electric and magnetic fields impart acceleration to the charged particle. But, there is a qualification for magnetic field as acceleration due to magnetic field relates only to the change of direction of motion. Magnetic force being always normal to the velocity of the particle tends to move the particle about a circular trajectory. On the other hand, electric force is along electric field and is capable to bring about change in both direction and magnitude depending upon the initial direction of velocity of the charged particle with respect to electric field. If velocity and electric vectors are at an angle then the particle follows a parabolic path.
- Motion of a charged Particle in Combined Electric and Magnetic fields
- Difference of Motion of a Charged Particle in Magnetic Field and Electric Field
One of the important orientations of electric and magnetic fields is referred as “crossed fields”. We use the term “crossed fields” to mean simultaneous presence of electric and magnetic fields at right angle. The behavior of charged particles such as electrons under crossed fields has important significance in the study of electromagnetic measurement and application (determination of specific charge of electron, cyclotron etc.).
Motion of charged Particle in Combined Electric and Magnetic fields
Let a moving charged particle is subjected simultaneously to both electric field $\overrightarrow{\mathrm{E}}$ and magneticfield $\overrightarrow{\mathrm{B}}$ The moving charged particle will experience electric force $\overrightarrow{\mathrm{F}_{\mathrm{e}}}=\mathrm{qE}$ And magnetic force $\overrightarrow{\mathrm{F}_{\mathrm{m}}}=\mathrm{q}(\overrightarrow{\mathrm{v}} \times \overrightarrow{\mathrm{B}})$
CASE 1
case I $: \overrightarrow{\mathbf{v}}, \overrightarrow{\mathbf{E}}$ and $\overrightarrow{\mathbf{B}}$ all the three are collinear : As the particle is moving parallel or antiparallel to the field. The magnetic force on it will be zero And only electric force will act
CASE 2
case II : $: \vec{v}, \vec{E}$ and $\vec{B}$ are mutually perpendicular :


Difference of Motion of a Charged Particle in Magnetic Field and Electric Field

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