Question

Shows a mixed source $R$ of alpha and beta particles in a thick lead walled container. The particles pass through a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plane of paper inwards as shown by $x$.
(a) Show in the diagram how the particle gets affected,
(b) Name the law used in part (a).

Answer 1

The main concept in this question is the particles with the least mass but definitely possess charge can deflect to the magnetic field at a maximum. The height mass particles also deflect but to the least level. The alpha, beta and the gamma are emitted from the radioactive decay.

Complete step by step answer:
It is given that the mixed source contains the alpha, beta and the gamma particles in it. The direction of the movement of the particles is given by applying Fleming's left hand rule. And it passes through the magnetic field which acts perpendicular to it. The alpha particles are the particles of the heavy mass and are positively charged in nature. Hence if the magnetic field is applied, it is less deflected due to its greater mass and it moves in the upward direction that can be calculated by Fleming's left hand rule.

Whereas the Beta particles have negligible mass and are negatively charged, hence they can be easily deflected by the magnetic field due to its less mass and they deflect downwards opposite to that of the alpha particles. Gamma radiations don’t possess mass and the charge hence they are not deflected by the magnetic field. Hence on the whole, the alpha particle moves upward, beta particles moves downward and the gamma particle remains in the same position.

Note: Unlike alpha and beta, gamma do not have mass and charge but they possess energy. They are also called photons and are visible in nature. But at the time of the decaying of the radioactive atoms, they emit with alpha and the beta particles.