Question

Path of e, p, n, α (alpha) particles are shown.

a, b, c, and d, respectively are

A) e, p, n, α
B) p, n, α, e
C) e, n, α, p
D) e, n, p, α​

Answer 1

Answer:

a is electron, b is neutron, c is alpha and d is proton

e/m ratio of alpha is 2/4 = 1/2

e/m ratio of proton is 1/1 = 1

e/m ratio increase then it will deflect to -ve plate more easily

Answer 2

The particles can be named based on their basic physical properties.

• Particle 'a' is deflecting towards the positive plate (the cathode) and hence can be called an electron (e). Since an electron carries negative charge, it gets attracted to the postive electrode.
• Particle 'b' passes through the plates without any deflection. This means that the electric potential between the plates does not affect the particle- it is neutral. Hence, it is a neutron (n).
• Particles 'c' and 'd' both move towards the negative plate. This means that both are positively charged. But since deflection of 'd' is more than 'c', we can call it an alpha particle and c' becomes a proton.
• An alpha particle deflects more than a proton in an electric field because its is more positively charged. And alpha particle is basically the nucleus of a helium atom with 2 protons.

Hence, the right answer is option D:

a- electron (e)

b- neutron (n)

c- proton (p)

d- alpha particle ($\alpha$)