The magnetic force causes charged particles to move in which path?

The magnetic force causes charged particles to move in which path?

• A. Line
• B. Parabola
• C. Circle
• D. Spiral

Answer: (C)

The magnetic force on a moving charge is q v × B, which is always perpendicular to the velocity. That means it bends the path without changing the speed. In a uniform magnetic field, this perpendicular force acts as centripetal acceleration, so if the particle’s velocity has no component along the field, the path curves into a circle in a plane perpendicular to the field. If there is a component along the field, the motion wraps around the field lines and traces a helical (spiral) path. A straight line would require no deflection (velocity parallel to the field), and a parabola would come from a constant force in a fixed direction (like gravity or an electric field). So, under the common setup, the circle is the expected path.

The magnetic force on a moving charge is q v × B, which is always perpendicular to the velocity. That means it bends the path without changing the speed. In a uniform magnetic field, this perpendicular force acts as centripetal acceleration, so if the particle’s velocity has no component along the field, the path curves into a circle in a plane perpendicular to the field. If there is a component along the field, the motion wraps around the field lines and traces a helical (spiral) path. A straight line would require no deflection (velocity parallel to the field), and a parabola would come from a constant force in a fixed direction (like gravity or an electric field). So, under the common setup, the circle is the expected path.