Question:
It is established that an electric current through a metallic conductor produces a magnetic field around it. Is there a similar magnetic field produced around a thin beam of moving
- alpha particles,
- neutrons ? Justify your answer.
(CBSE 2012)
Solution:
- A thin beam of moving alpha particles constitute an electric current. Thus, beam of moving alpha particles behaves as a current carrying conductor. Hence, magnetic field is produced around the thin beam of moving alpha particles.
- Neutrons are neutral particles i.e. they do not have any charge. Therefore, moving neutrons do not constitute an electric cur-rent. Hence, no magnetic field is produced around the thin beam of moving neutrons.