CAIE IGCSE Physics Radiation in Electric and Magnetic Fields

Practise predicting alpha, beta and gamma paths in electric and magnetic fields, using opposite charge signs, relative masses and gamma's neutral nature.

Exam points

direct positive alpha particles toward the negative plate and negative beta particles toward the positive plate
show beta curving more sharply than alpha in a magnetic field because its mass is much smaller
draw gamma travelling straight through electric or magnetic fields because it carries no charge

[Maximum number: 3]

A beam consists of $\alpha$ -particles, $\beta$ -particles and $\gamma$ -rays.

Explain how a uniform magnetic field may be used to separate the $\alpha$ -particles, the $\beta$ -particles and the $\gamma$ -rays.

(b)

(part of) beam deflects

B1

$\alpha$ -particles deflect in opposite / different direction to $\beta$ -particles / electrons or all $\alpha$ -particles have similar deflections or $\alpha$ -
particles deflect less

B1

$\gamma$ -rays do not deflect

B1

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5.2.2.3—Deflection of α-particles, β-particles question 1