Question

A beam of subatomic particles consisting of either protons, neutrons, or electrons passes through an area with a constant, uniform magnetic field that is perpendicular to the beam. The beam of particles is deflected into a circular path. Which of the following correctly identifies the composition of the beam? a. The beam must be either protons or electrons. b. The beam must be protons. C. The beam could be protons, electrons, or neutrons. d. The beam must be electrons.​

Answer 1

A beam of subatomic particles deflected into a circular path in a magnetic field must contain charged particles, which means it could be either protons or electrons, not neutrons. The correct answer is a. The beam must be either protons or electrons

Step-by-step explanation:

The beam of subatomic particles that is deflected into a circular path when passing through a magnetic field must consist of charged particles. This is because only charged particles experience a magnetic force. Neutrons, having no charge, would not be deflected by a magnetic field and so would continue in a straight line. Therefore, the beam could consist of either protons, which are positively charged, or electrons, which are negatively charged. Hence, the correct answer to the question is: The beam must be either protons or electrons.