The above picture is from an high energy particle physicsexperiment. Particles a

Question

The above picture is from an high energy particle physicsexperiment. Particles are captured in this chamber with a uniformmagnetic field. Physicists are able ot determine the charge andmass of particles by the tracks they leave. In the picture thereare two distinct tracks. Determine the charge of the particle onthe left side of the picture as well as the charge of the particleon the right hand side if it is assumed that the magnetic field isinto the paper. If the particles have the same mass what is yourbest guess as to the identity of each paritcle?

Explanation / Answer

Solution (left particle): The left particle is positively charged because it follows from theright-hand rule (i.e. let your palm represent the magnetic field,your fingers point in the direction of the velocity of the chargedparticle, and your thumb will represent the magnetic force thatacts on it). Since the magnetic force acts in the direction of yourthumb, then the left particle is positively charged. Solution (right particle): The right particle is negatively charged because it follows onceagain from the right hand rule (i.e. same procedure as in thesolution above, however, the magnetic force acts opposite of whereyour thumb points, hence, it is negatively charged and follows thepath as exemplified on the right)

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