Question

Two charged particles are projected into a region where a magnetic field is directed perpendicular to their velocities. If the charges are deflected in opposite directions, what are the possible relative charges and directions? (Select all that apply.)

Answer 1

Answer:

*If the particles are deflected in opposite directions, it implies that their charges must be opposite

*the force is perpendicular to the speed, therefore it describes a circular movement, one in the clockwise direction and the other in the counterclockwise direction.

Explanation:

When a charged particle enters a magnetic field, it is subjected to a force given by

        F = q v x B

where bold letters indicate vectors

   

this expression can be written in the form of a module

        F = qv B sin θ

and the direction of the force is given by the right-hand rule.

In our case the magnetic field is perpendicular to the speed, therefore the angle is 90º and the sin 90 = 1

If the particles are deflected in opposite directions, it implies that their charges must be opposite, one positive and the other negative.

Furthermore, the force is perpendicular to the speed, therefore it describes a circular movement, one in the clockwise direction and the other in the counterclockwise direction.