Moderate

If an electron and a proton enter into a magnetic field perpendicularly with the same momentum:

Correct answer: B. Both will deflect equally

  • A. The proton will deflect more
  • B. Both will deflect equally
  • C. The electron will deflect more
  • D. They will not deflect at all

Explanation

The radius of the circular path of a charged particle in a magnetic field is given by r = p/(qB), where p is the momentum. Since the momentum (p), magnetic field (B), and magnitude of charge (q) are the same for both the electron and the proton, their radii of curvature will be identical, and they will deflect equally.

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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.

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