A proton and an electron enter a region of uniform magnetic field. As they enter
ID: 2055178 • Letter: A
Question
A proton and an electron enter a region of uniform magnetic field. As they enter, they have the same speed, perpendicular to the magnetic field. What can we say about their subsequent motion?a. The proton will follow a circular path, while the electron will continue in a straight line.
b. The electron will follow a circular path, while the proton will continue in a straight line.
c. They will follow circular paths. The electron's circular path will have a larger radius.
d. The will both continue in straight lines.
e. They will follow circular paths of identical radius.
f. They will follow circular paths. The proton's circular path will have a larger radius.
Explanation / Answer
Both will follow circular paths (in opposite directions), but, since the proton is more massive, its acceleration will be lower, and the proton's path will have a larger radius. The answer is f.