2011 AIPMT-PRE Moving Charges and MagnetismMotion in Combined Electric and Magnetic Fields Easy Question 6 of 13 in Motion in Combined Electric and Magnetic Fields

A uniform electric field and a uniform magnetic field are acting along the same direction in a certain region. If an electron is projected in the region such that its velocity is pointed along the direction of fields, then the electron

A Will turn towards left of direction of motion
B Will turn towards right of direction of motion
C Speed will decrease
D Speed will increase

The answer is C.

Solution

Magnetic force: $\vec{F}_m = q(\vec{v}\times\vec{B})$. The velocity is parallel to $\vec{B}$, so $\vec{v}\times\vec{B} = 0$ and there is no magnetic force; the electron does not turn.
Electric force: $\vec{F}_e = q\vec{E} = -e\vec{E}$. Since the electron has negative charge, this force is opposite to $\vec{E}$.
The velocity is along $\vec{E}$, so the electric force is opposite to the velocity.
The electron is therefore retarded along its line of motion.
Hence its speed will decrease.

Concept Lorentz force

Motion in Combined Electric and Magnetic Fields in past papers

13 questions from this chapter have appeared across 10 exam years.