Describe the motion of a charged particle in a ... - SS1 Physics Electricity and Magnetism Question

When a charged particle moves parallel to the magnetic field lines, the magnetic force acting on it is zero since the angle between the velocity vector and the magnetic field vector is 0°, resulting in no deflection. When the particle moves perpendicular to the magnetic field lines, the magnetic force acts as a centripetal force, causing the particle to move in a circular path.

The radius of the circular path can be determined using the equation r = mv / (qB), where r is the radius, m is the mass of the particle, and q is its charge. When the particle moves at an angle to the magnetic field lines, the magnetic force acts as a combination of a centripetal force and a deflecting force, causing the particle to move in a curved path.