If a charged particle enters in a region where electric and magnetic field are parallel to its motion, then it will:

Correct answer: C. Speed up

  • A. Deflect upwards
  • B. Deflect downwards
  • C. Speed up
  • D. Speed down

Explanation

Option C is correct since over here the velocity vector and magnetic field vector are in the same direction so there is no magnetic force. So the direction of the electric field is the direction of the charged particle. The charged particle can be assumed to be positive over here, so its direction will be similar to the direction of the electric field which is from higher potential to lower potential. The electric force will cause the charged particle to accelerate and thus speed up.Option A is incorrect since the velocity vector is parallel to the magnetic field vector so there will be no deflection due to no magnetic force. The charged particle will simply move in the direction of the electric field.Option B is incorrect since the velocity vector is parallel to the magnetic field vector so there will be no deflection due to no magnetic force. The charged particle will simply move in the direction of the electric field.Option D is incorrect since an assumption is applied over here which considers the charged particle as positive.So if the motion of a particle is along an electric field, the electric force will cause the charged particle to accelerate and thus speed up.

Written and checked by , contributorLast updated
Report an error

The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.

Prefer email? [email protected]

About Electromagnetism

Magnetic flux density and magnetic flux describe the strength of a magnetic field and the field passing through a surface. A charged particle moving through a magnetic field experiences a force perpendicular to its velocity and may follow circular or helical motion, depending on the angle between velocity and field.

Practise Electromagnetism

1,176 free Electromagnetism MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Discussion

Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.

No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.

Exams that ask Physics questions like this

Physics is on 16 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

More Electromagnetism questions