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Suppose that, in a mass spectrometer, charged isotopes enter the device with velocities along a direction that is neither perpendicular nor parallel to the magnetic field lines. Which of the following behaviors would result?
  • a)
    The isotopes would travel in a corkscrew pattern
  • b)
    The isotopes would travel in elliptical orbits
  • c)
    The isotopes would commence uniform circular motion
  • d)
    The isotopes would not be deflected
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Suppose that, in a mass spectrometer, charged isotopes enter the devic...
The Lorentz force law states that the magnitude of the force acting on the isotopes goes as qvB sin θ, where θ is the angle between the field lines and the velocity.
The velocity of the particle can be written in terms of a component perpendicular to the field, v⊥​ and a component along the field line, v||
The Lorentz force in the perpendicular direction is thus qv⊥ ​B, but it is zero in the parallel direction. The particle thus only undergoes circular motion in the plane perpendicular to the field line, and it travels inertially along the direction of the field lines.
The charged particle thus traces out a corkscrew trajectory as it moves in the device.
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Suppose that, in a mass spectrometer, charged isotopes enter the devic...
Understanding the Behavior of Charged Isotopes in a Magnetic Field
When charged isotopes enter a magnetic field, their behavior is influenced by both their velocity and the orientation of their motion relative to the magnetic field lines. In this scenario, where the isotopes enter the magnetic field at an angle that is neither perpendicular nor parallel, the following occurs:
Corkscrew Motion
- The isotopes experience a force due to the magnetic field, known as the Lorentz force, which acts perpendicular to both the velocity of the isotopes and the direction of the magnetic field.
- This results in a centripetal force that causes the isotopes to move in a circular path while simultaneously continuing to advance in the direction of their initial velocity.
Components of Motion
- The isotopes have two components of motion:
- Circular Motion: The isotopes curve around the magnetic field lines due to the perpendicular component of their velocity. This creates a circular path.
- Linear Motion: The isotopes continue to move forward along the direction of their initial velocity.
Resulting Path
- The combination of these two motions results in a helical or corkscrew pattern:
- As the isotopes rotate around the magnetic field lines, they also advance forward, creating a spiral trajectory.
Conclusion
- Therefore, when charged isotopes enter a magnetic field at an angle, they do not follow simple circular or elliptical paths but instead exhibit a corkscrew motion. This behavior is a direct consequence of the interplay between their velocity and the magnetic field orientation, leading to the conclusion that option 'A' is indeed correct.
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Suppose that, in a mass spectrometer, charged isotopes enter the device with velocities along a direction that is neither perpendicular nor parallel to the magnetic field lines. Which of the following behaviors would result?a)The isotopes would travel in a corkscrew patternb)The isotopes would travel in elliptical orbitsc)The isotopes would commence uniform circular motiond)The isotopes would not be deflectedCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for MCAT 2025 is part of MCAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the MCAT exam syllabus. Information about Suppose that, in a mass spectrometer, charged isotopes enter the device with velocities along a direction that is neither perpendicular nor parallel to the magnetic field lines. Which of the following behaviors would result?a)The isotopes would travel in a corkscrew patternb)The isotopes would travel in elliptical orbitsc)The isotopes would commence uniform circular motiond)The isotopes would not be deflectedCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for MCAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Suppose that, in a mass spectrometer, charged isotopes enter the device with velocities along a direction that is neither perpendicular nor parallel to the magnetic field lines. Which of the following behaviors would result?a)The isotopes would travel in a corkscrew patternb)The isotopes would travel in elliptical orbitsc)The isotopes would commence uniform circular motiond)The isotopes would not be deflectedCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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