An alpha particle moves along a circular path of radius 1×10^-10m with...
Calculation of Magnetic Field Produced at the Centre of Orbit by an Alpha Particle
Given Data:
- Radius of circular path (r) = 1×10^-10m
- Speed of alpha particle (v) = 2×10^6m/s
- Charge of alpha particle (q) = 2×1.6×10^-19C (since it is a helium nucleus)
Formula to Calculate Magnetic Field:
B = (μ₀/4π) * (q*v/r)
Explanation:
The magnetic field produced by a moving charged particle is given by the above formula. Here, μ₀ is the magnetic constant (4π×10^-7 Tm/A) and q is the charge of the particle. The velocity of the particle and the radius of its path also play a role in determining the magnetic field produced.
In this case, the alpha particle moves along a circular path of radius 1×10^-10m with a speed of 2×10^6m/s. The charge of the alpha particle is 2 times the charge of an electron, which is 2×1.6×10^-19C.
Calculation:
Substituting the given values in the formula,
B = (μ₀/4π) * (q*v/r)
= (4π×10^-7 Tm/A / 4π) * (2×1.6×10^-19C * 2×10^6m/s / 1×10^-10m)
= 1.28×10^-3 T
Therefore, the magnetic field produced at the centre of the orbit by the alpha particle is 1.28×10^-3 T.
Conclusion:
The calculation shows that the magnetic field produced at the centre of the orbit by the alpha particle is quite small. However, in certain experiments and applications, even small magnetic fields can play a crucial role.