
Chapter 24
The Lorentz Force
A particle bearing electric charge q and moving with velocity ~v through a region of space
containing a magnetic field,
→
B, experiences a magnetic force,
→
F
M,q
= q ~v ×
→
B, called the
Lorentz force. Noteworthy aspects of the Lorentz force include the following.
• The magnitude of the force, |
→
F
M,q
|, depends on q, |~v |, and the sine of the angle
between ~v and
→
B.
◦ IF the velocity of the particle is perpendicular to the magnetic field, THEN the
Lorentz force is maximised.
◦ IF the velocity of the particle is [anti-]parallel to the magnetic field, THEN the
magnitude of the Lorentz force is zero.
• The Lorentz force is directed perp ...