A proton moves across the Earth's equator in a northeasterly direction.At this point the Earth's magnetic field has a direction due north and is parallel to the surface.What is the direction of the force acting on the proton at this instant?
A)toward the northwest
B)out of the Earth's surface
C)into the Earth's surface
D)toward the northeast

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force direction can be determined using the right-hand rule for the magnetic force on a moving charge. Since the proton is moving northeast and the magnetic field is north, the force (using the right-hand rule) is perpendicular to both the direction of motion and the magnetic field, which means it points out of the Earth's surface.

A Proton Moves Across the Earth's Equator in a Northeasterly