Question

If a proton is released at the equator and falls toward earth under the influence of gravity, the magnetic force on the proton will be toward the ____ assuming the magnetic field is directed toward the north at this location.

Answer 1

The magnetic force on a proton falling towards Earth at the equator, with the Earth's magnetic field directed north, will be towards the west due to the right-hand rule for magnetic forces on charged particles.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a proton is released at the equator and falls towards Earth under the influence of gravity, and assuming the magnetic field is directed toward the north at this location, the magnetic force on the proton will be towards the west. This assertion is based on the right-hand rule for magnetic force, which states that if you point the fingers of your right hand in the direction of the proton's velocity (downward towards Earth), and bend your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field (north), your thumb will point in the direction of the magnetic force on a positively charged particle, which in this case is to the west.

This scenario exemplifies the interaction between charged particles and magnetic fields. The force on a charged particle moving through a magnetic field is always perpendicular to both the velocity of the particle and the magnetic field, which can result in circular or helical motion depending on the context.

Answer 2

Positive positive side naturally because protons always move to positive side and electron always move to negative side