Charged particles in magnetic fields: circular paths, velocity selectors and mass spectrometers

What this note covers

1. The force on a moving charge
2. Circular paths in uniform magnetic fields
3. Helical motion and the Van Allen belts
4. Velocity selectors
5. The Bainbridge mass spectrometer
6. Comparing motion in electric and magnetic fields
7. Exam technique for charged particles in fields

7 sections · 10 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes