Q. A proton and an $\alpha$-particle are projected normally into a magnetic field. What will be the ratio of radii of the trajectories of the proton and $\alpha$-particle?

A) 2 : 1
B) 1 : 2
C) 4 : 1
D) 1 : 4
Explanation

(b) In perpendicular magnetic field
Magnetic force = centripetal force
$\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ qvB = \frac{mv^{2}}{r}\ \Rightarrow r = \frac{mv}{qB}$
For proton $\ q_{1} = e,\ m_{1} = m$
For $\mathbf{\alpha}$-particle $q_{2} = 2e,\ m_{2} = 4m$
$\therefore\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \frac{r_{1}}{r_{2}} = \frac{m_{1}v}{q_{1}B}\ \times \frac{q_{2}B}{m_{2}v}$
$\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \frac{r_{1}}{r_{2}} = \frac{m}{e}\ \times \frac{2e}{4m}$
$\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \frac{r_{1}}{r_{2}} = \frac{1}{2}$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.