Test Particle - Test Particles in Plasma Physics or Electrodynamics

Test Particles in Plasma Physics or Electrodynamics

In simulations with electromagnetic fields the most important characteristics of a test particle is its electric charge and its mass. In this situation it is often referred to as a test charge.

An electric field is defined by . Multiplying the field by a test charge gives an electric force exerted by the field on a test charge. Note that both the force and the electric field are vector quantities, so a positive test charge will experience a force in the direction of the electric field.

In a magnetic field, the behavior of a test charge is determined by effects of special relativity described by the Lorentz force. In this case, a positive test charge will be deflected clockwise if moving perpendicular to a magnetic field pointing toward you, and counterclockwise if moving perpendicular to a magnetic field directed away from you.