Question

If a cosmic ray proton approaches the Earth from outer space along a line toward the center of the Earth that lies in the plane of the equator, in what direction will it be deflected by the Earth’s magnetic field? What about an electron? A neutron?

a) Proton: Deflected eastward; Electron: Deflected westward; Neutron: No deflection.

b) Proton: Deflected westward; Electron: Deflected eastward; Neutron: Deflected downward.

c) Proton: Deflected downward; Electron: No deflection; Neutron: Deflected eastward.

d) Proton: Deflected upward; Electron: Deflected downward; Neutron: No deflection.

Answer 1

A cosmic ray proton would be deflected westward by the Earth's magnetic field, an electron would be deflected eastward due to its negative charge, and a neutron would remain undeflected as it does not carry a charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a cosmic ray proton approaches the Earth and moves along a line toward the center of the Earth that lies in the plane of the equator, it will be deflected by the Earth's magnetic field. This is because protons are positively charged particles, and the Earth's magnetic field exerts a force on moving charged particles, a phenomenon described by the Lorentz force. The direction of the deflection depends on the right-hand rule, which shows that a positively charged particle like a proton would be deflected westward in the equatorial plane.

For an electron, since it has a negative charge, it will be deflected in the opposite direction compared to the proton, which means it will be deflected eastward in the equatorial plane.

The case of a neutron is different, because neutrons are neutral and do not carry a charge; therefore, they are not affected by magnetic fields and experience no deflection when moving through the Earth's magnetic field.

Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is: Proton: Deflected westward; Electron: Deflected eastward; Neutron: No deflection.