I understanding conceptual question for particle tracks in a chamber

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around understanding the particle tracks in a bubble chamber resulting from a gamma ray transforming into charged particles. The right-hand rule is essential for determining the charge signs of the particles based on their spiral tracks in a uniform magnetic field directed out of the paper. Particles 1 and 3 exhibit counterclockwise spirals, indicating they share the same charge sign, while particle 2's clockwise spiral suggests an opposite charge. The correct answer is B, as confirmed by applying the right-hand rule and analyzing the Lorentz force equation (F=q v x B).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics concepts, specifically charged particles and their behavior in magnetic fields.
  • Familiarity with the right-hand rule for determining force direction in magnetic fields.
  • Knowledge of the Lorentz force equation (F=q v x B) and its application.
  • Basic comprehension of bubble chamber experiments and their significance in particle physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the right-hand rule in detail and its applications in various physics problems.
  • Explore the Lorentz force and its implications for charged particles in magnetic fields.
  • Investigate bubble chamber experiments and their role in detecting particle interactions.
  • Learn about the properties of gamma rays and their interactions with matter.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying particle physics, educators teaching concepts of charged particles in magnetic fields, and anyone interested in the mechanics of bubble chamber experiments.

Lopez
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Homework Statement


Figure 21.13a shows the bubble-chamber tracks resulting from an event that begins at point A.
At this point a gamma ray (emitted by certain radioactive substances), traveling in from the left,
spontaneously transforms into two charged particles. There is no track from the gamma ray
itself. These particles move away from point A, producing the two spiral tracks. A third charged
particle is knocked out of a hydrogen atom and moves forward, producing the long track with
the slight upward curvature. Each of the three particles has the same mass and carries a charge
of the same magnitude. A uniform magnetic field is directed out of the paper toward you. What
is the sign ( +or - ) of the charge carried by each particle?
charge.PNG

According to the book the answer is B but i don't understand why,and how to apply the hand rule

Homework Equations


no equations

The Attempt at a Solution


i know i have to use the first right hand rule,and i know the thumb represents the velocity,the rest of the fingers the magnetic field and the force is perpendicular to the palm
 

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Lopez said:

Homework Statement


Figure 21.13a shows the bubble-chamber tracks resulting from an event that begins at point A.
At this point a gamma ray (emitted by certain radioactive substances), traveling in from the left,
spontaneously transforms into two charged particles. There is no track from the gamma ray
itself. These particles move away from point A, producing the two spiral tracks. A third charged
particle is knocked out of a hydrogen atom and moves forward, producing the long track with
the slight upward curvature. Each of the three particles has the same mass and carries a charge
of the same magnitude. A uniform magnetic field is directed out of the paper toward you. What
is the sign ( +or - ) of the charge carried by each particle?
View attachment 74311
According to the book the answer is B but i don't understand why,and how to apply the hand rule

Homework Equations


no equations

The Attempt at a Solution


i know i have to use the first right hand rule,and i know the thumb represents the velocity,the rest of the fingers the magnetic field and the force is perpendicular to the palm
The spirals for particles 1 and 3 are both counterclockwise, while the spiral for particle 2 is clockwise. These facts suggest that the charges are particles 1 and 3 would have the same sign, and the charge on particle 2 would have the opposite sign. This rules out choices a and c.

What does the right-hand rule say about things? That would help you figure out why b is the correct answer and d is not.
 
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putting it that way makes sense now thanks,but i still don't understand how we can use the hand rule to get to that answer,couldn't we have determined that b was the answer with just that reasoning that particle 2 is the only one going clockwise so that is why is negative
 
I don't think the right-hand rule involves "velocity" specifically.

Remember, an electron traveling thataway equates to a current heading thisaway. ;)
 
Last edited:
Do you know the expression of he Lorentz force, the force exerted by a magnetic field on a moving particle (F=q vxB)?
You know the direction of the initial velocity of all particles. The magnetic field is perpendicular to the paper and directed toward you. What is the direction of the force if the particle is positive, and what is the direction if the particle is negative?
 
thanks guys it makes total sense now
 

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