Point Charge in a Magnetic Field
Instructions
This simulation shows the motion of a point charge in a uniform magnetic field. Adjust the charge, mass, and magnetic field using the sliders. Change the starting location and velocity of the point charge by dragging the points on either end of the velocity vector. Click on the play button in the bottom left corner to watch the point charge move. Click on the reset icon in the top right if your point charge goes off the screen.
- Use the right hand rule to verify that the point charge is moving in the correct direction.
- Can you make a positive point charge move in a counterclockwise circle?
- How does each parameter affect the radius of the circle made?
- Is the time it takes to complete a circle (i.e., the period) dependent on the initial velocity?