If an a -particle is projected normally through a uniform magnetic field, then the path of the a - particle inside the field will be

examrobotsa's picture
Q: 66 (NDA-I/2009)
If an a -particle is projected normally through a uniform magnetic field, then the path of the a - particle inside the field will be

question_subject: 

Science

question_exam: 

NDA-I

stats: 

0,9,18,6,9,5,7

keywords: 

{'uniform magnetic field': [0, 0, 1, 1], 'particle': [0, 2, 8, 30], 'path': [1, 0, 4, 2], 'parabolic': [0, 0, 1, 1], 'straight line': [1, 0, 3, 15], 'field': [1, 1, 4, 8]}

When an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons, is projected normally through a uniform magnetic field, its path inside the field will be parabolic.

Let`s dissect the given options:

1) Circular path: This option is incorrect. A circular path would require a force that constantly changes the direction of the alpha particle, which is not the case in a uniform magnetic field.

2) Parabolic path: This option is correct. A parabolic path occurs when a charged particle moves perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field. The force on the charged particle causes it to move in a curved path.

3) Elliptical path: This option is incorrect. An elliptical path is generally caused by a combination of magnetic and electric fields, and the given scenario only involves a magnetic field.

4) Straight line: This option is incorrect. A straight line path would mean that the magnetic field has no effect on the alpha particle, which is not true.

Therefore, the correct answer is that the path of the alpha particle inside the uniform magnetic field will be parabolic.