Question

A proton is moving in a uniform magnetic field what will be the path of the proton. [3] If its initial direction is- (a) (i) Parallel to the field. (ii) Perpendicular to the field. (b) What will happen to the momentum of proton in both the above mentioned cases? will it change?

Answer 1

Answer:

The magnetic force exerted will be perpendicular to the direction of motion of the proton. As we know when when force acting is perpendicular to the direction of moving charge, work done will be zero. It means kinetic energy does not change. The force is able to change the direction (velocity) of the proton but not its speed (magnitude). Thus momentum and velocity changes.