Chapter 20, Problem 16Q

To determine

Answer to Problem 16Q

The trajectory of a charged particle in a combined electric and magnetic field.

Solution:

Explanation of Solution

The trajectory of a charged particle is helical.

A charged particle moves in a circular path if magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the direction of velocity. If an electric field is applied in the direction of magnetic field, the charge will accelerate in the direction of electric field (for a positive charge), so charge is moving in the direction of field. This causes the helical path of the charged particle. If strength of the magnetic field is uniform, the radius of the path remains same. But pitch of the helical path increases as the charge particles are accelerated in the direction of electric field.

Conclusion:

The trajectory of a charged particle is helical.