5.3.4

Magnetic Fields Radiation

Test yourself

Radiation in Magnetic Fields

Different types of radiation behave differently in magnetic fields.

Illustrative background for Gamma raysIllustrative background for Gamma rays ?? "content

Gamma rays

  • Gamma rays are not affected by magnetic or electric fields.
  • They travel in a straight line through both types of field.
Illustrative background for Beta radiationIllustrative background for Beta radiation ?? "content

Beta radiation

  • Beta particles are negatively charged because they are electrons.
  • Because they are charged, they change path in a magnetic or electric field.
  • A magnetic field deflects beta particles more than alpha particles because they have less mass.
Illustrative background for Alpha particlesIllustrative background for Alpha particles ?? "content

Alpha particles

  • Alpha particles are positively charged because they contain 2 protons.
  • Because of this, they change path in a magnetic or electric field.
  • Alpha particles are deflected less than beta particles because they are more massive (have more mass) and are harder to pull.
Illustrative background for The left-hand ruleIllustrative background for The left-hand rule ?? "content

The left-hand rule

  • Because beta particles are electrons, their motion is in the opposite direction to conventional current.
  • So, point your second finger in the opposite direction to the particle’s actual velocity.
  • Now your thumb gives the direction of the force on the particle.
  • This is the path the beta particle will be deflected in the magnetic field.

Jump to other topics

1Motion, Forces & Energy

1.1Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

1.2Motion

1.3Mass & Weight

1.4Density

1.5Forces: Effects of Forces

1.6Forces: Turning Effects of Forces

1.7Forces: Centre of Gravity

1.8Momentum

1.9Energy, Work, & Power: Energy

1.10Energy, Work & Power: Work

1.11Energy, Work & Power: Energy Resources

1.12Energy, Work & Power: Power

1.13Pressure

2Thermal Physics

3Waves

4Electricity & Magnetism

4.1Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

4.2Electrical Quantities: Electric Charge

4.3Electrical Quantities: Electric Current

4.4Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

4.5Electrical Quantities: Resistance

4.6Electrical Energy & Electrical Power

4.7Electric Circuits: Circuit Diagrams & Components

4.8Electric Circuits: Series & Parallel Circuits

4.9Electric Circuits: Action & Use

4.10Electrical Safety

4.11Electromagnetic Effects: Electromagnetic Induction

4.12Electromagnetic Effects: The A.C. Generator

4.13Magnetic Effect of a Current

4.14Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

4.15Electromagnetic Effects: The D.C. Motor

4.16Electromagnetic Effects: The Transformer

5Nuclear Physics

6Space Physics

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