Lorentz Force Nature – Rankers Physics

Force Acting on Moving Charges: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion (A): The Lorentz force is a non-conservative force. Reason (R): The work done by the Lorentz force is always zero.  
Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(A) is true but (R) is false
Both (A) and (R) are false

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Force Acting on Moving Charges. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Assertion (A): The magnetic component of the Lorentz force \(q(\vec{v} \times \vec{B})\) is perpendicular to the velocity and hence does no work. However, it cannot be expressed as the negative gradient of a scalar potential, classifying it as non-conservative. So, (A) is true.


Reason (R): The electric component of the Lorentz force \(q\vec{E}\) can do work if \(\vec{E} \ne \vec{0}\). Therefore, the work done by the total Lorentz force is not always zero. So, (R) is false. Thus, (A) is true but (R) is false.

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