Question:

A charge particle moving in magnetic field \(B\), has the components of velocity along \(B\) as well as perpendicular to \(B\). The path of the charge particle will be

Show Hint

Resolve the velocity into \(v_\parallel\) (unaffected by \(B\)) and \(v_\perp\) (gives circular motion); together they give a helix along \(B\).
Updated On: Nov 2, 2026
  • helical path with the axis along magnetic field \(B\)
  • straight along the direction of magnetic field \(B\)
  • circular path
  • helical path with the axis perpendicular to the direction of magnetic field \(B\)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Resolve the velocity: \(v_\parallel\) along \(\vec{B}\) and \(v_\perp\) perpendicular to \(\vec{B}\).
The magnetic force \(\vec{F}=q(\vec{v}\times\vec{B})\) has no component along \(\vec{B}\), so \(v_\parallel\) stays constant and the particle keeps moving uniformly along \(\vec{B}\).
The force due to \(v_\perp\) has magnitude \(qv_\perp B\), is perpendicular to both \(v_\perp\) and \(B\), and so makes the particle move in a circle of radius \(r=\dfrac{mv_\perp}{qB}\) in the plane perpendicular to \(\vec{B}\).
Uniform circular motion in the perpendicular plane combined with uniform motion along \(\vec{B}\) is a helix whose axis is along \(\vec{B}\).
Answer: (1) helical path with the axis along magnetic field \(B\)
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top JEE Main Physics Questions

View More Questions

Top JEE Main Moving charges and magnetism Questions

View More Questions