The interaction between a dust cloud and a magnetized plasma is investigate
d by use of an idealized model where the dust particles have uniform size,
a uniform density within the dust cloud, and start with the same velocity a
cross the magnetic field in the plasma's rest frame. The interaction is fou
nd to be governed by a dimensionless parameter K which is a function of dus
t cloud, and ambient plasma, parameters. For K much smaller than unity, the
interaction goes on for typically 1/(2 piK) gyro times, with the particles
in the dust cloud performing gyro motions with decreasing radius, For K cl
ose to unity, the dust motion is stopped on the order of a dust particle gy
ro time, For the case K much greater than 1, the plasma in the flux tube th
rough the dust cloud is dragged across the magnetic field over a distance o
f the order of Kr-d, where r(d) is the dust gyro radius, before the motion
is stopped.
Some expected effects for a more realistic dust cloud with density gradient
s, and containing dust with a spread in size, are discussed. The results ha
ve bearing on dusty plasma in space, e.g., models of the formation of spoke
s in Saturn's ring system.