In experiments where all the charged particles in a beam are required to have the same velocity (for example, when entering a mass spectrometer), scientists use a velocity selector. A velocity selector has a region of uniform electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the motion of the charged particles. Both the electric and magnetic fields exert a force on the charged particles. If a particle has precisely the right velocity, the two forces exactly cancel and the particle is not deflected. Equating the forces due to the electric field and the magnetic field gives the following equation:
qE = qvB
Solving for the velocity, we get:
ν = (E)/(B)
A particle moving at this velocity will pass through the region of uniform fields with no deflection, as shown. For higher or lower velocities than this, the particles will feel a net force and will be deflected. A slit at the end of the region allows only the particles with the correct velocity to pass.
How does the kinetic energy of the particle shown change as it traverses the velocity selector?
A. The kinetic energy increases.
B. The kinetic energy does not change.
C. The kinetic energy decreases.
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