A proton and electron, each travelling with the same velocity, enter a region of uniform magnetic field. They experience A) forces in the same direction and having ratio F_p/F_e = m_e/m_p. B) forces equal in magnitude, but opposite in direction. C) forces opposite in direction and having ratio F_p/F_e = m_e/m_p. D) the same force.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force experienced by a charged particle moving in a magnetic field is given by F = q*v x B, where q is the charge of the particle, v is its velocity, and B is the magnetic field.

Since both the proton and electron have the same velocity, they will experience magnetic forces of the same magnitude. However, since they have opposite charges, the direction of the force will be opposite for each particle. Therefore, the correct answer is B, which states that the forces will be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.

A Proton and Electron, Each Travelling with the Same Velocity