Model-EMotion

Motion of Electrons in Magnetic Field

Motion of charged particles is an important aspect of plasma physics. This model demonstrates the motion of electrons in magnetic field. The direction of the magnetic field can be varied to show how the path of the electrons change with direction of magnetic field.

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When the magnetic force is perpendicular to the direction of travel, the electrons follow a curved path in a magnetic field (L) and forms a full circle. However, if the particle's velocity has components parallel and perpendicular to the uniform magnetic field, then it moves in a helical path (R).

If we place a plasma tube over a series of magnets arranged in a way to give sinusiodal magnetic field, it can be seen that the plasma also follows the path of the magnetic field. Motion of charged particles in a sinusoidal magnetic field is an important phenomenon that is used in Linear accelerators as well as Free Electron Lasers.

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