The GATE Grind

GATE 2016 EC (EC2) – Question 33

Electromagnetics · Maxwell's Equations · 1 mark · Multiple choice

A constant uniform magnetic field $\mathbf B=\hat{\mathbf z}B$ exists in vacuum. A particle of mass m and small charge q enters with $\mathbf v=\hat{\mathbf x}v_x+\hat{\mathbf z}v_z$. All of B,m,q,$v_x,v_z$ are nonzero. Its eventual trajectory is

  1. helical motion in the z direction
  2. circular motion in the xy plane
  3. linear motion in the z direction
  4. linear motion in the x direction

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) helical motion in the z direction

Explanation

The magnetic force $q\mathbf v\times\mathbf B$ is perpendicular to velocity and has no z component. Therefore $v_z$ stays constant.

The transverse component rotates in the xy plane under the magnetic force, forming circular motion of radius $m|v_x|/(|q|B)$. Combining that rotation with uniform z motion produces a helix about the z axis. Hence **A**.

More Maxwell's Equations questions

All Maxwell's Equations questions →