Question

When a proton moves freely in a magnetic field, which of its properties can change?

Answer 1

• The proton's velocity and momentum would be affected by the force acting on it.
• If the velocity of a charged particle is perfectly parallel to the magnetic field, the magnetic field applies no force on the particle, and so the velocity remains constant.
• The work done is zero when the force exerted is perpendicular to the direction of the moving charge.
• In a proton that is moving freely in a magnetic field, the properties that can change are its velocity so as a result its momentum.

Hence, the properties of the proton that will change are its velocity and momentum.