Right Hand Rule: Proton or Electron?

In summary, the conversation discusses using the right-hand rule to determine whether a particle in a given diagram is a proton or an electron. While the initial attempt at using the rule suggests that the particle is an electron, the correct answer is actually a proton due to the direction of the force. The conversation also includes a question about which fingers represent which parts in the formula F=Bil.
  • #1
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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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
For F=Bil, which fingers represent which part?

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

What is the Right Hand Rule?

The Right Hand Rule is a method used in physics to determine the direction of a force or magnetic field in relation to the motion of a charged particle.

How is the Right Hand Rule used for protons?

The Right Hand Rule can be used to determine the direction of the force on a positively charged proton when moving through a magnetic field. The direction of the force is perpendicular to both the direction of motion and the direction of the magnetic field.

How is the Right Hand Rule used for electrons?

The Right Hand Rule can also be used for negatively charged electrons. However, since electrons have a negative charge, the direction of the force will be opposite to that of a positively charged proton.

What are the three components of the Right Hand Rule?

The three components of the Right Hand Rule are the direction of motion, the direction of the magnetic field, and the direction of the force.

Why is the Right Hand Rule important in physics?

The Right Hand Rule is important in physics because it allows us to determine the direction of a force or magnetic field in relation to the motion of a charged particle. This is crucial in understanding and predicting the behavior of particles in electromagnetic fields.

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