🧲ap physics 2 review

Radius of curvature

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

The radius of the circular path followed by a charged particle in a magnetic field: r = mv/(qB). Larger mass or speed increases the radius; larger charge or field strength decreases it.

AP course connection

Topic 12.2: 12.2 Magnetism and Moving Charges

Unit 12

"Radius of curvature" also found in: