Question

A magnetic field is applied in y-direction on an \( \alpha \)-particle traveling along x-direction. The motion of the \( \alpha \)-particle will be:

• A. along x-axis
• B. a circle in xz plane
• C. a circle in yz plane
• D. a circle in xy plane

Hint:

The direction of motion in a magnetic field can be determined using the right-hand rule for the cross product of velocity and magnetic field vectors.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Considering the Lorentz force \( \vec{F} = q \vec{v} \times \vec{B} \), with \( \vec{v} \) along the x-axis and \( \vec{B} \) along the y-axis, the force \( \vec{F} \) acts in the z-direction, causing circular motion in the xz-plane