Chapter 39, Problem 40A

To determine

The reason for deflection of alpha, beta particles in magnetic and electric field and gamma rays remain undeflected.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The alpha particle is same as the nuclei of Helium atom and positively charged. The beta particle contains electron s and negatively charged. The gamma rays are massless energy and contain uncharged photons.

The magnetic force acts on the moving charged particles, so the alpha and beta particle deflected in the magnetic field.

The attraction force acts on the positively charged alpha particle by negative charge and attraction force acts on the negatively charged beta particle by positive charge. So, the alpha and beta particles deflected in the electric field.

The gamma rays contain uncharged photons, so gamma rays remain undeflected in magnetic and electric field.

Conclusion:

Thus, the alpha and beta particles deflected in the electric and magnetic field and the gamma rays remain undeflected in magnetic and electric field.