Question

An electron is moving to the right, as shown in the figure. Suddenly it encounters a uniform magnetic field pointing out of the page. Which one of the three paths shown will it follow in the field?

A. path a
B. path b
C. path c

Answer 1

The electron will follow path B.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an electron moves through a magnetic field, it experiences a force perpendicular to both its velocity and the magnetic field direction, according to the right-hand rule. In this case, the force acting on the electron will be directed upward (out of the page), causing the electron to curve in a circular path.

Path A is not followed because the force would be directed downward, contrary to the expected upward force due to the right-hand rule. Path C is also ruled out because the force would be directed inward, leading to a circular path in the opposite direction. Path B aligns with the expected upward force, resulting in a circular motion in the presence of the magnetic field.

This circular motion arises due to the magnetic force continually acting on the electron, causing it to deviate from its initial straight-line path. The radius of the circular motion depends on the speed of the electron, the strength of the magnetic field, and the mass of the electron. In this scenario, path B represents the correct trajectory of the electron as it interacts with the uniform magnetic field.

Answer 2

The interaction between the motion of the electron, the magnetic field, and the force acting on the charged particle, following the principles of the right-hand rule in electromagnetism.Therefore the correct option is B. path b

Explanation

Path b aligns with the right-hand rule for determining the direction of a charged particle's path in a magnetic field. When an electron, moving to the right, encounters a magnetic field pointing out of the page, it experiences a force perpendicular to both its velocity and the magnetic field.

As per the right-hand rule, the force acts in a direction that leads the electron to follow a curved path downwards, matching path b in the figure.

The direction of the force experienced by a moving charged particle in a magnetic field can be determined using the right-hand rule. The force exerted on the electron acts perpendicular to both the velocity of the electron and the direction of the magnetic field.

In this case, with the field pointing out of the page and the electron moving to the right, the force will cause the electron's path to curve downward, corresponding to path b in the diagram.

Therefore the correct option is B. path b

An electron is moving to the right, as shown in the figure. Suddenly it encounters a uniform magnetic field pointing out of the page. Which one of the three paths shown will it follow in the field?

A. path a

B. path b

C. path c