A beam consisting of five types of ions labeled A, B, C, D, and E enters a region that contains a uniform magnetic field as shown in the figure below. The field is perpendicular to the plane of the paper, but its precise direction is not given. All ions in the beam travel with the same speed. The table below gives the masses and charges of the ions. Note: 1 mass unit = 1.67 × 10 - 27 kg and e = 1.6 × 10 - 19 C
-What is the direction of the magnetic field?

Question

A beam consisting of five types of ions labeled A, B, C, D, and E enters a region that contains a uniform magnetic field as shown in the figure below. The field is perpendicular to the plane of the paper, but its precise direction is not given. All ions in the beam travel with the same speed. The table below gives the masses and charges of the ions. Note: 1 mass unit = 1.67 × 10 - 27 kg and e = 1.6 × 10 - 19 C 
-What is the direction of the magnetic field?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Each ion in the beam will experience a deflecting force due to the magnetic field, which is given by F = qvB, where q is the charge of the ion, v is the velocity of the ion, and B is the magnetic field. The direction of this force is given by the right-hand rule, where you point your thumb in the direction of the velocity, your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field, and your palm will give you the direction of the force. The only way that all five types of ions can be simultaneously deflected in the same direction is if the magnetic field is directed into the page. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

A Beam Consisting of Five Types of Ions Labeled A