Gradient-B drift

This interactive simulator explores Gradient-B Drift in Electricity & Magnetism. B_z(x,y) with weak gradient; orbit from q(E+v×B) at local B — gyration + drift. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.

Who it's for: Best once you already know the basic definitions and want to build intuition. Typical context: Electricity & Magnetism.

Key terms

  • gradient
  • drift
  • gradient b drift
  • electricity
  • magnetism

How it works

Why toroidal plasmas need careful shaping: a spatially varying |B| bends guiding-center orbits perpendicular to both B and ∇B.