Q.An electron beam is projected perpendicular to a given field. How can we predict whether the given field is a uniform electric field?
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Constant electric force gives parabolic deflection; velocity-dependent magnetic force gives circular deflection at unchanged speed.
An electron beam moving perpendicular to a field region can be used to identify the type of field by observing the shape of its deflection. In a uniform electric field, the force on the electron, , is constant in magnitude and direction (independent of the electron's velocity), which produces a constant transverse acceleration — exactly analogous to projectile motion — resulting in a parabolic trajectory, and the electron's speed changes as it moves through the field (since the field does work on it). In a uniform magnetic field, by contrast, the force is , always perpendicular to the velocity, which changes only the direction of motion, never the speed — this produces a circular arc at constant speed, doing no work on the electron at all. So by observing whether the beam's path curves as a p …
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.