Question

You are told that in a certain region there is either a uniform electric or magnetic field. What measurement or observation could you make to determine the type? (Ignore the Earth’s magnetic field.)

a) Observe the direction of deflection of a compass needle.

b) Measure the force experienced by a test charge.

c) Observe the orientation of iron filings placed in the field.

d) All of the above.

Answer 1

To determine the type of field, you can observe the direction of deflection of a compass needle, measure the force experienced by a test charge, or observe the orientation of iron filings placed in the field. The measurement or observation that can determine the type of field is all of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the type of field, whether it is uniform electric or magnetic, you can make the following measurement and observations:

Observe the direction of deflection of a compass needle: In a uniform magnetic field, the compass needle will align itself with the field lines. In a uniform electric field, the needle will not deflect.

Measure the force experienced by a test charge: In a uniform electric field, a test charge will experience a force in the direction of the field. In a uniform magnetic field, a test charge will not experience any force.

Observe the orientation of iron filings placed in the field: In a uniform magnetic field, the iron filings will align themselves along the field lines. In a uniform electric field, the iron filings will not show any specific orientation.

The measurement or observation that can determine the type of field is option d) All of the above.