can someone please help me?
An electron moving north enters a magnetic field
that is directed vertically upwards.
If the electron’s motion was inclined upwards
at an angle, as well as travelling north, what
would be the path of the electron?
Use right hand palm rule (slap rule
)
Direction of magnetic field: up (use fingers of right hand to point up)
Direction of current, i.e. direction of positive charge: south (opposite to direction of electron) (point thumb to point south on right hand)
Direction of force on electron: West (given by the direction of the palm of right hand)
Hence electron will initially move West, and since force applied on the electron will always be perpendicular to its motion (like it is in circular motion), the electron will travel in a circular path.
We do not have to worry about the component of the electron's motion upwards (i.e. parallel to the magnetic field), since components of current (velocity of the electron in this case) parallel to the magnetic field doesn't result in a force being applied on the electron.
Hope this helps
Let me know if you'd like clarification on part!