# NTNUJAVA Virtual Physics LaboratoryEnjoy the fun of physics with simulations! Backup site http://enjoy.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/

## Information about this web site => Request for physics Simulations => Topic started by: leeyiren on March 07, 2012, 07:06:13 pm

 Title: electron helical path simulation Post by: leeyiren on March 07, 2012, 07:06:13 pm hi, prof. would like to understand how electrons behave in a uniform magnetic field. why would they move in a helical path? any simulation? thanks Title: Re: electron helical path simulation Post by: Fu-Kwun Hwang on March 07, 2012, 08:08:04 pm If the initial velocity is zero then it will keep it that way.If the initial velocity is in the same direction of the magnetic field, then the electron will move with constant velocity. The force on the electron in the magnetic field is $\vec{F}=q\vec{v}\times\vec{B}$.If the direction of $vec{v}$ is parallel to direction of $\vec{B}$, then $vec{F}=0$.so it will move with constant velocity.If the direction of $vec{v}$ is perpendicular to the magnetic field $\vec{B}$, then the force is also perpendicular to the velocity, so the force will only  change the direction of velocity -- and it is a circular motion.If velocity contain both parallel component and normal component, it will move with helical path.You are welcomed to check out Charged particle motion in E/B Field (http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/index.php?topic=36.0).