Five particles follow the paths shown in the figure as they pass through a magne

Question

Five particles follow the paths shown in the figure as they pass through a magnetic field. The direction of the field is indicated by either dots or crosses in the figure. What can you conclude about the charge of each particle?

Particle 1 is ______ (positive, negative, or uncharged)

Particle 2 is ______ (positive, negative, or uncharged)

Particle 3 is ______ (positive, negative, or uncharged)

Particle 4 is ______ (positive, negative, or uncharged)

Particle 5 is ______ (positive, negative, or uncharged)

Explanation / Answer

In general, right-hand rule would apply to any cross product of 2 vectors. In this case, the force on a moving charge is related by:
F = qv x B

To use right-hand rule here (at least, how it's easier for me), with your hand flat, point your thumb in the direction of the charge's motion, your other fingers in the direction of the magnetic field, and the direction your palm is facing would be the direction of the force. With the curved trajectories shown, the force would be in a radial direction toward the center of some circular path.

Forces for 1 and 5 are consistent with a positive charge since the palm points toward the center of some circular path. The right palm for 2 and 4, however, seem to point away from some center, so these charges are negative. Since the path for 3 isn't curved at all, this would seem to indicate that it has no charge.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse F
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.