Carbon-12 and Carbon-14 atoms,(12 and 14 atomic mass units,respectively)each missing one electron,so that they carry +1e electric charge,each are accelerated through the same electric potential and pass through a hole in a vertical lead plate into a region of uniform magnetic field,also oriented vertically.What is the ratio of the radii of curvature r₁₂/r₁₄ for these two atoms' paths?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The radius of curvature of a particle with charge q, mass m, and velocity v moving through a magnetic field B is given by: r = mv/(qB) Since the atoms are accelerated through the same potential, they will have the same velocity. The ratio of their radii of curvature will thus be: r₁₂/r₁₄ = (mC12)/(mC14) = (12/14)^(1/2) ≈ 0.93. Therefore, the answer is B.

Carbon-12 and Carbon-14 Atoms,(12 and 14 Atomic Mass Units,respectively)each Missing