Why do charged particles bend in a magnetic field?
Quick Answer
Charged particles bend because a magnetic field exerts a force at right angles to their motion. That sideways force changes the direction of travel without necessarily changing the speed.
The Full Story
A moving charge in a magnetic field experiences the Lorentz force, which acts perpendicular to its velocity and the field. Because the force is sideways, the particle curves into a circle or spiral rather than moving in a straight line. This is fundamental to particle accelerators, auroras, and the motion of particles trapped in Earth’s magnetosphere. The effect also explains why electrons in cathode-ray tubes or plasma can be steered by magnets.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
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"Why do magnets make moving charges take a curve?"
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