Question

In a lightning strike there is a rapid movement of negative charges from a cloud to the ground. In what direction will this bunch of electrons be deflected by (northbound) Earth’s magnetic field?

Group of answer choices

Westbound

Southbound

Northbound

Eastbound

Answer 1

Answer : Eastbound

Because, The magnetic force on a free moving charge is perpendicular to both the velocity of the charge and the magnetic field with direction given by the right hand rule.

According to Right-Hand-Rule : If you point your pointer finger in the direction the positive charge is moving, and then your middle finger in the direction of the magnetic field, your thumb points in the direction of the magnetic force pushing on the moving charge.

If the moving charge is negative (for example, electrons) then you need to reverse the direction because the force will be in the opposite direction.