Question

An electron and a proton are moving under the influence of mutual forces. In calculating the change in the kinetic energy of the system during motion, one ignores the magnetic force of one on another. This is because

• A. The two magnetic forces are equal and opposite, so they produce no net effect
• B. The magnetic forces do no work on each particle
• C. The magnetic forces do equal and opposite (but non-zero) work on each particle
• D. The magnetic forces are necessarily negligible

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The magnetic forces do no work on each particle

As the magnetic forces due to motion of electron and proton act in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion, no work is done by these forces. That is why one ignores the magnetic force of one particle on another.