The diagram shows the track of a charged particle in a magnetic field - Edexcel - A-Level Physics - Question 4 - 2023 - Paper 4
Question 4
The diagram shows the track of a charged particle in a magnetic field.
The magnetic field is directed into the page.
Which of the following particles could create t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows the track of a charged particle in a magnetic field - Edexcel - A-Level Physics - Question 4 - 2023 - Paper 4
Step 1
A a muon travelling from X to Y
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Answer
A muon is a negatively charged particle. If it travels from X to Y and the magnetic field is directed into the page, it will experience a force due to the Lorentz force equation. However, the direction of bending in the diagram indicates a positive charge.
Step 2
B a positron travelling from Y to X
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Answer
A positron is the antimatter counterpart of an electron and has a positive charge. If it travels from Y to X in a magnetic field directed into the page, it will bend in the direction opposite to that of negative charges, resulting in motion consistent with the diagram.
Step 3
C a π from X to X
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A π meson can be neutral or charged. If it is neutral, it does not respond to magnetic fields, so it cannot create the bending track shown in the diagram.
Step 4
D an electron travelling from Y to X
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Answer
An electron is a negatively charged particle. If it travels from Y to X in the magnetic field with the direction as described, it would curve in the manner shown in the diagram. Thus, it correctly represents the particle responsible for the curvature.