Cycloid motion of a charged particle.

In summary, the cycloid motion depicted in the picture applies to a particle at rest in the x, y, and z axes. However, if the particle is initially moving with a velocity parallel to the magnetic field, it will still move along the cycloid but also maintain a constant velocity in the y-direction.
  • #1
Samson4
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Does the cycloid motion of the picture only apply to a particle at rest in the x y and z axis? What if it is moving with a velocity parallel to the magnetic field before the electric field accelerates it? I think it will then move in a spiral; although, I am not sure.

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  • #2
Samson4 said:
Does the cycloid motion of the picture only apply to a particle at rest in the x y and z axis? What if it is moving with a velocity parallel to the magnetic field before the electric field accelerates it? I think it will then move in a spiral; although, I am not sure.

View attachment 98159
With your configuration of the electric and magnetic fields, neither of them changes the y-component of the velocity. so as the particle moves along the cycloid, it also keeps moving along the y-direction with constant velocity.
 
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Related to Cycloid motion of a charged particle.

What is cycloid motion?

Cycloid motion is a type of motion in which a charged particle moves along a curved path, known as a cycloid, due to the influence of an external magnetic field. This type of motion is commonly observed in particle accelerators and in certain types of mass spectrometers.

How does a charged particle move in cycloid motion?

In cycloid motion, a charged particle moves along a cycloid path because of the interaction between its electric charge and an external magnetic field. The magnetic field exerted on the particle causes it to experience a force, known as the Lorentz force, which causes the particle to move in a curved path.

What is the equation for cycloid motion?

The equation for cycloid motion is given by the Lorentz force equation: F = qvBsin(θ), where F is the force exerted on the particle, q is the charge of the particle, v is its velocity, B is the strength of the magnetic field, and θ is the angle between the velocity and the magnetic field.

What factors affect the cycloid motion of a charged particle?

The cycloid motion of a charged particle can be affected by several factors, including the strength and direction of the external magnetic field, the velocity of the particle, and the charge of the particle. Additionally, any external forces acting on the particle can also affect its cycloid motion.

How is cycloid motion of a charged particle used in scientific research?

Cycloid motion of charged particles is used in a variety of scientific research applications, such as in particle accelerators to study subatomic particles and in mass spectrometry to analyze the composition of chemical samples. It is also used in medical imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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