Does circular motion of electron perpendicular to the magnetic field experiences a force

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If i am moving a charged particle in a circular motion and then applying the magnetic field perpendicular to this circular motion ,will the charge experience a force. Note that magnetic line produced by charge and the applied magnetic field are in the same direction.

Best Answer

Yes; instantaneously, the particle will always have a velocity perpendicular to the magnetic field, so there will be a Lorentz force \$q\vec{v}\times \vec{B}\$, regardless of what extra external forces you apply.

Any extra forces you apply externally to maintain a circular orbit perpendicular to the magnetic field will have the effect of either maintaining a larger or smaller orbit than the gyroradius.

If you think about it, there are only 2 non-zero options for this force which will maintain a perfectly circular orbit perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field:

  1. It is perpendicular to the particle pointed towards the center of the orbit. This case is trying to maintain a smaller orbit than the natural gyroradius.
  2. It is perpendicular and pointed away from the center of the orbit. This case is trying to maintain a larger orbit than the natural gyroradius.

Another simpler way to resolve the question is to notice that \$\frac{d\vec{v}}{dt}\$ is not zero for any circular orbit (it rotates); this is the definition of acceleration, and the only way to produce an acceleration is by applying a force.