Question

Beta particles deflect more in an electric field than alpha particles because the former carry:

• A. lower mass
• B. lower charge
• C. both(A) and (B)
• D. neither (A) nor (B)

Answer 1

The correct option is A

lower mass

Explanation:

Beta particles deflect more in an electric field than alpha particles because:

• Beta particles are high-energy electrons.
• Beta particles are negatively charged.
• Beta particles are fast-moving electrons with a very low mass and so have a high charge to mass density.
• They are deflected much more than the heavier alpha particles due to this charge to mass density.

Hence, the correct option is (A).