Question:

A charged particle enters a magnetic field \( H \) with its initial velocity making an angle of \( 45^\circ \) with \( H \). The path of the particle will be:

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When the angle between the velocity and magnetic field is not \( 90^\circ \), the particle's path will be a helix.
Updated On: Apr 22, 2026
  • a straight line
  • a circle
  • an ellipse
  • a helix
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field.
When a charged particle enters a magnetic field, the direction of the magnetic force is perpendicular to both the velocity and the magnetic field. This results in circular or spiral motion, depending on the angle between the velocity and the magnetic field.

Step 2: Analyze the angle.

Here, the angle between the velocity and the magnetic field is \( 45^\circ \). This means the velocity vector has both components parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field. Therefore, the particle follows a helical path, combining linear motion along the direction of the magnetic field and circular motion perpendicular to it.

Step 3: Conclusion.

The correct answer is (4) a helix, as the particle moves in a spiral path due to the combination of perpendicular velocity and magnetic field.
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