Question

The diagram shows a radioactive source S placed in a thick lead walled container. The radiations given out are allowed to pass through a magnetic field. The magnetic field (shown as x) acts perpendicular to the plane of paper inwards. Arrows show the paths of the radiations A, B and C. Explain clearly how can you use the diagram to identify the radiations.

Answer 1

For alpha particles the direction of deflection which can be determined by Fleming’s left hand rule demonstrates that they must be positively charged. beta particles will be opposite of alpha particles.

Gamma rays are unaffected by a magnetic field