Question

Which of the following statements about the magnetic force and electric force is TRUE regarding energy transfer to a charged particle?

Options

• The magnetic force does not transfer energy, while the electric force does transfer energy

• The magnetic force transfers energy, while the electric force does not

• Both forces transfer energy to the particle equally

• Neither force transfers energy to the particle

Answer 1

The magnetic force does no work on the particle since it is perpendicular to velocity, so it does not transfer energy. The electric force, however, does non-zero work and therefore transfers energy to the particle, changing its kinetic energy and speed.