Question

Please thoroughly explain how you obtain the directions for each, preferably with a diagram of the right hand rule or whatever convention is needed. Downward, Northward, Westward, Southeastward. Consider an electron near the Earth's equator. In which direction does it tend to deflect if its velocity is directed in each of the directions?

Answer 1

In right hand rule, Index finger points in the direction of moving charge. Middle finger points in the direction of magnetic field. Thumb points in the direction of magnetic force. We need to find direction of magnetic force in each case.

NOTE - VERY VERY IMPORATNT - IN CASE OF ELECTRON , THE DIRECTION OF FORCE WILL BE OPPOSITE TO THAT GIVEN BY RIGHT HAND RULE. FOR EXAMPLE IF RIGHT HAND RULE GIVES DIRECTION OF MAGNETIC FORCE TO BE TO THE RIGHT, IT WILL BE TO THE LEFT IN THE CASE OF ELECTRON.

A) When velocity is downward,

Magnetic force points to right but as this is an electron, it will be to the left.

B) Northward

No magnetic force as velocity and field are at 180 degree

C) Westward

Upward ( Out of the page)

D) Southeastward

It will be into the page