IB Physics HL D 3 2 Charge in Magnetic Fields Questions

Calculate magnetic forces on moving charges and use circular-motion relationships to analyse particle paths, radii, frequencies and mass separation.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Determine the magnetic force and circular-motion conditions for a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field.
  • Use qvB=mv²/r to calculate radius, period, frequency, speed or mass-to-charge relationships.
  • Explain why magnetic force changes direction but not speed or kinetic energy when perpendicular to velocity.

IB Physics HL D 3 2 Charge in Magnetic Fields Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 5]

A rod, R , lies perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field B of strength 0.50 T directed into the plane of the page. R is connected to a circuit and the electric current IRI_{\mathrm{R}} is 2.0 A .

Question (a)

(a)

An electron is moving at constant velocity v=9.0×105 ms−1v=9.0 \times 10^{5} \mathrm{~ms}^{-1} parallel to a rod T , at a perpendicular distance d. T is connected to a cell via a switch. When the switch is closed the electron's path curves with initial radius r. The magnetic field strength at the position of the electron at d is 4.0×10−6 T4.0 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~T}.

[ 5 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Calculate the initial radius of the electron's path.

[ 3 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Explain the subsequent change in the radius of the electron's path.

[ 2 ]
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