Question:

While passing through the applied magnetic field, which of the following undergoes the maximum deflection?

Show Hint

In electric and magnetic fields: \[ \beta\text{-particles} \] show the maximum deflection because they have a very small mass and a finite charge. \(\gamma\)-rays and neutrons are neutral and hence remain undeflected.
Updated On: Jun 18, 2026
  • Stream of \(\alpha\)-particles
  • Stream of \(\beta\)-particles
  • \(\gamma\)-rays
  • Stream of neutrons
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the magnetic force on a charged particle.
When a charged particle moves through a magnetic field, it experiences a force \[ F=qvB\sin\theta \] where \(q\) is the charge of the particle.
The resulting circular motion has radius \[ r=\frac{mv}{qB}. \] A smaller radius corresponds to a greater deflection.

Step 2: Compare \(\alpha\)-particles and \(\beta\)-particles.

An \(\alpha\)-particle has \[ q=+2e \] but its mass is approximately \[ 4\,\text{u}, \] which is very large.
A \(\beta\)-particle is an electron having \[ q=-e \] and an extremely small mass \[ m_e. \] Since \[ r=\frac{mv}{qB}, \] the much smaller mass of the \(\beta\)-particle makes its radius of curvature much smaller than that of the \(\alpha\)-particle. Hence it undergoes a much larger deflection.

Step 3: Consider \(\gamma\)-rays and neutrons.

\(\gamma\)-rays are electromagnetic waves and carry no charge.
Neutrons are electrically neutral particles.
Therefore, \[ q=0 \] for both, so they are not deflected by a magnetic field.

Step 4: Final conclusion.

Among the given options, the maximum deflection is shown by the stream of \(\beta\)-particles. \[ \boxed{\text{Stream of }\beta\text{-particles}} \] Hence, the correct option is \[ \boxed{(2)}. \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top AP EAPCET Physics Questions

View More Questions