Question

It is established that an electric current through a conductor produces a magnetic field around it. Is there a similar magnetic field produced around a thin beam of moving (i) alpha particles, (ii) neutrons ? Justify your answer in each case.

Answer 1

Dear Student,

In case of movement of a charged particle, the magnetic field is created around the path on which the charged particle moves.

(i) Yes, a thin beam of a-particles (which are positively charged) is like straight conductor carrying current in the direction of motion.

(ii) No, as neutrons carry no charge so no magnetic field would be created around its path.

Regards.