At a particular instant, an electron moves eastward in a uniform magnetic field that is directed straight downward. The magnetic force that acts on it is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnetic force on a moving charge in a magnetic field is given by the right-hand rule, which states that if you point your fingers in the direction of the velocity of the charge (eastward for the electron) and curl them towards the direction of the magnetic field (downward), your thumb will point in the direction of the force on a positive charge. Since an electron is negatively charged, the force will be in the opposite direction to what the right-hand rule predicts, which is southward.

At a Particular Instant, an Electron Moves Eastward in a Uniform