Question

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

Answer 1

Alpha Particles:

1. Alpha particles constitute two protons and two neutrons.
2. We know that protons are positively charged particles, while neutrons are neutral particles.
3. Therefore a thin beam of moving alpha particles constitutes a current in the direction of motion of the alpha particles.
4. Hence, a magnetic field will be produced around a thin beam of moving alpha particles.

Neutrons:

1. We know that neutrons are neutral particles.
2. Therefore there is no current associated with the thin beam of moving neutrons.
3. Hence, a magnetic field will not be produced around a thin beam of moving neutrons.

Thus, a similar magnetic field is produced around a thin beam of moving alpha particles, and a similar magnetic field is not produced around a thin beam of moving neutrons.