Last edited 04-07-08 by xjiang4 Find this document at http://cheer.math.edu/reulab/web/xjiang4/index.html

Modeling for Electromagnetic Fields

Abstract

This project in Vpython presents a simulation for particle interactions in electromagnetic fields. The program models the trajectory of particles in 3-D free space according to the specifications of charge, mass, and field strengths. It is assumed that all collisions are elastic. The movement of the particles are governed by Newton's 2nd law: F=ma. The forces on the particles come from the superposition of gravity, electrical, and magnetic fields.

Mathematical Basis

The mathematics invovled in the project includes simple vector algebra associated with the calculation of fields. Newton's scond law, F=ma is used to calculate the acceleration of an object due to the force acting upon it. The force is the vector sum of all the forces at the particular location in space.

Here is a screen shot screenshot.