Right Hand Rule: Proton or Electron?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether a particle depicted in a diagram is a proton or an electron, utilizing the right-hand rule (RHR) in the context of magnetic fields and forces acting on charged particles.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the right-hand rule to deduce the nature of the particle based on its motion and the magnetic field direction. Some participants question the correctness of the original poster's application of the RHR and the assumptions regarding the direction of force.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the right-hand rule and its application to the problem. There is a divergence in understanding regarding the direction of force and the implications for identifying the particle as either a proton or an electron. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between charge and force direction.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a diagram that is not visible in the discussion, which may be crucial for understanding the context. Additionally, the participants are navigating the implications of charge polarity on the direction of force as described by the right-hand rule.

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Homework Statement


For this given diagram, determine whether the particle is a proton or an electron.
Diagram-2.jpg


2. The attempt at a solution
Considering at the point where it enters the material.
Using RHR, Velocity is downwards (First Finger), Field is outwards (Middle Finger), Thumb points left but the force is supposed to be to the right so it's an electron.


3. The Problem encountered
The answer says that it's a proton but how can that be. Am I doing my RHR correctly? Can someone explain how it works. Thanks in advance.
 
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Why is force supposed to be towards the right? You correctly found that v x B points left at the point where the particle enters the field. The force is F = q(v x B), so if the particle is positively charged, the force will be towards the left and the particle will be deflected towards the left. That's what happens in the picture, so it must be a proton. If q was negative, it would have been deflected towards the right.
 
For F=Bil, which fingers represent which part?

Is it first finger current, middle finger field and thumb is force?
 

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