How Does Lorentz Force Affect Work Done Despite No Energy Transfer?

In summary, the Lorentz force law states that the force on a charged particle in a magnetic field is equal to the product of the charge, velocity, and magnetic field strength. For a particle traveling at a 90 degree angle to the field, there is no work being done. However, if the force has a component in the direction of the velocity, work is done and the particle gains energy. It is possible for a charged particle to have energy even without work being done, as seen in the example of a particle sliding across a frictionless table. It is also possible for a particle to enter a magnetic field with velocity, gaining energy from a previous source.
  • #1
spidey
213
0
From Lorentz force law,

F = q (v х B) = q v B sin θ
F = q v B [For θ = 90]

W = F * d = F d cos θ
w = 0 [For θ = 90]

How come we have a force but no work done?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you think work should be done? Work is done where the force has a component in the direction of the velocity.
 
  • #3
Phrak said:
Do you think work should be done? Work is done where the force has a component in the direction of the velocity.

if w=0 then energy =0, then how the charge q goes at velocity v in field B.from where the charge q gets energy?
 
  • #4
spidey said:
if w=0 then energy =0
Not true. Counter-example: a particle sliding across a frictionless table with velocity v. There is no work being done, but then energy is non-zero.
spidey said:
then how the charge q goes at velocity v in field B.from where the charge q gets energy?
Perhaps, the charge was traveling at velocity v before it entered the magnetic field?
 

Related to How Does Lorentz Force Affect Work Done Despite No Energy Transfer?

What is the Lorentz force?

The Lorentz force is a fundamental law of electromagnetism that describes the force experienced by a charged particle moving in an electric and magnetic field. It is given by the cross product of the electric field and the velocity of the particle, and the magnetic field and the charge of the particle.

What is the work done by the Lorentz force?

The work done by the Lorentz force is the product of the magnitude of the force and the distance moved in the direction of the force. It represents the energy transfer from the electric and magnetic fields to the charged particle.

What is the direction of the Lorentz force?

The direction of the Lorentz force is perpendicular to both the electric and magnetic fields, and also perpendicular to the direction of motion of the charged particle. This is known as the "right-hand rule".

How does the Lorentz force affect charged particles?

The Lorentz force can cause charged particles to accelerate, decelerate, or change direction. It is responsible for the motion of charged particles in electric motors, generators, and other electromagnetic devices.

What is the role of the Lorentz force in electromagnetism?

The Lorentz force is one of the fundamental laws of electromagnetism, along with the electric and magnetic fields. It is essential in understanding the behavior of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields, and plays a crucial role in many technological applications.

Similar threads

Replies
25
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
36
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
834
Replies
46
Views
6K
Replies
6
Views
525
Back
Top