Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsMagnetic Field
When a charged particle held at rest experiences an electromagnetic force,
Options
- Athe electric field cannot be zero
- Bthe magnetic field might or might not be zero
- Cthe electric field might or might not be zero
- Dthe magnetic field cannot be zero
Correct answer
B. the magnetic field might or might not be zero
Step-by-step solution
The electromagnetic force on a charged particle is given by the Lorentz force equation: F = q( E + v B ) Since the charged particle is at rest, its velocity v = 0 . Substituting this into the force equation gives: F = q E It is given that the particle experiences an electromagnetic force, so F 0 . This implies that q E 0 , and hence the electric field E cannot be zero. The magnetic force term q( v B ) is zero regardless of the value of the magnetic field B because v = 0 . Thus, the magnetic field might or might not