Question

Describe the electron's path in this field. Describe the electron's path in this field. The electron will move in a clockwise circular path if viewed in the direction of the magnetic field. The electron will move in a straight line without acceleration. The electron will move in a straight line with acceleration. The electron will move in a counterclockwise circular path if viewed in the direction of the magnetic field.

Answer 1

Answer: D - The electron will move in a counterclockwise circular path if viewed in the direction of the magnetic field.

Explanation:

When the electron enters the field at an angle to the field direction the resulting path of the electron will be helical. Such motion occurs above the poles of the Earth where charges particles from the Sun spiral through the Earth's field to produce the aurorae.

Magnetic force on an electron = BILsinØ = B[e/t][vt] = BevØ

where v is the electron velocity

In a magnetic field the force is always at right angles to the motion of the electron (Fleming's left hand rule) and so the resulting path of the electron is circular.