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If a charged particle moves in a straight line through some region of space, can you say that the magnetic field in that region is necessarily zero?

a) Yes, if the particle is moving in a straight line, the magnetic field is always zero.

b) No, the magnetic field may exist even if the charged particle is moving in a straight line.

c) Yes, the magnetic field is zero only if the particle is stationary.

d) No, the magnetic field is zero only if the particle has a constant speed.

User Rafi Henig
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Final answer:

No, the magnetic field may exist even if the charged particle is moving in a straight line.

Step-by-step explanation:

No, the magnetic field may exist even if the charged particle is moving in a straight line.

According to the right-hand rule, when a charged particle moves in a straight line, it creates a magnetic field around itself. The direction of this magnetic field depends on the velocity and charge of the particle. Therefore, the presence of a magnetic field is not limited to the particle being stationary or having a constant speed.

No, the magnetic field may exist even if the charged particle is moving in a straight line.