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Interactive Simulations for Teaching Physics
Magnetic Force
Authors: Ms. Giselle dos Santos Castro - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
Dr. Nildo Loiola Dias - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
CONTROLS:
- A source of charged particles can release Electrons (negative particles whose trajectory is indicated by a red line) or Positrons (positive particles whose trajectory is indicated by a green line).
- A slider allows you to vary the speed of the particle that is launched.
- A slider allows you to vary the intensity of the magnetic field B, as well as its direction (considered perpendicular to the screen plane). A pink background indicates the direction of the magnetic field for positive values and a blue background indicates the direction of the field for negative values.
- A ruler, that can be moved freely, allows measuring the diameter of the paths.
- The mouse scroll allows you to enlarge or reduce the simulation image.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SIMULATION:
In this simulation, a particle with a negative charge (electron) or with a positive charge (positron) is launched in a region where there is a magnetic field (the launch velocity of the particle is always perpendicular to the magnetic field). The particle's trajectory can be visualized by red lines (for electrons) or green lines (for positrons). The particle velocity can be varied in the range of 4.2X10^6 m/s to 7.3X10^6 m/s. The magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of the figure can be varied from 0 to 2.1 mT in one direction (pink background) or in the opposite direction (blue background). The absence of a magnetic field is represented by a white background. A ruler makes it possible to measure the diameter of the particle trajectory. The simulation images can be enlarged or reduced, using the mouse scroll, in order to make measurements with the ruler easier. The simulation makes it possible to study the magnetic force on a charged particle as a function of the particle's velocity and the magnetic field strength when the particle moves perpendicularly to the magnetic field.
For an analysis of the data, consult one of the proposed ACTIVITY GUIDE.
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