Statement
11.2.16∗. In a uniform magnetic field, an electron moves around a circle of a certain radius. Does the radius of curvature of the electron's trajectory decrease or increase with a slow increase in the magnetic field induction?
Solution
The magnetic force
where
The change in electron's speed is caused by induced electric field
as a result of changing magnetic flux. Thus,
(Note that the electric force on the electron is in the opposite direction to the electric field.) Therefore, the additional speed caused by induced electric field is not sufficient to keep the electron in the same orbit, and the radius of curvature of its trajectory will decrease.
Answer
Decrease