Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsThe Special Theory of Relativity
When a charged particle is projected at an extremely high speed perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field, it will
Options
- Atravel along a curve with a decreasing radius of curvature
- Btravel along a circle
- Ctravel along a straight line
- Dtravel along a curve with an increasing radius of curvature
Correct answer
A. travel along a curve with a decreasing radius of curvature
Step-by-step solution
When a charged particle moves in a uniform magnetic field perpendicular to its velocity, it experiences a magnetic force that provides the necessary centripetal acceleration for circular motion. At extremely high speeds, the accelerating charged particle continuously radiates electromagnetic energy in the form of synchrotron radiation. Due to this continuous loss of energy, the kinetic energy and the momentum p of the particle decrease over time. The radius of curvature of the path is given by r = p qB . Since the