Question

A beam of beta particles is subjected to a strong magnetic field. The beta particles are:

Options

• strongly deflected towards south pole

• weakly deflected towards south pole

• weakly deflected towards north pole

• not deflected at all

Answer 1

Strongly deflected towards south pole

Explanation:

Beta particles are fast-moving electrons, so they are negatively charged and very light. A magnetic field therefore deflects them strongly, much more than alpha particles, and in the opposite direction. Gamma rays are not deflected because they carry no charge.