AP Physics 2 / Unit 12: Magnetism and Electromagnetism
12.2 Magnetism and Moving Charges
Notes
$$F=qvB\sin\theta$$
- Direction from the right-hand rule (opposite for negative charges).
- The force is perpendicular to velocity, so it changes direction, not speed (circular motion).
Practice
A charge moving parallel to a magnetic field feels:
$\sin0=0$.
The magnetic force on a moving charge does:
Always perpendicular to velocity.
$q=2$ C, $v=3$ m/s, $B=4$ T, perpendicular. $F=$
$qvB$.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 12 test.