A beam of α-particles projected along the +x-axis experiences a force due to a magnetic field along the +y-axis. What is the direction of the magnetic field?
Answer: Along the −Z-axis.
Solution
For positive α-particles, F=q(v×B) with v along +x and F along +y. A field along −z gives x^×(−z^)=+y^, so B points along the −Z-axis.
CBSE Class 12 Board · 2010 · All India · Subjective