Short Questions (Electron)
1. Explain the quantization of charge.
The total electric charge is always equal to an integer multiple of the basic unit of charge
(charge of electron or charge of proton).
i.e. Q = ne where n = 1, 2, 3, ……… & e = 1.6 10-19 C
2. Why atomizers and x-rays are used in Millikan’s experiment?
In Millikan's oil drop experiment, an atomizer is used to create tiny oil droplets, while X-rays
are used to ionize the air around those droplets, allowing them to acquire a negative charge.
3. Why water drops cannot be used instead of oil in Millikan’s experiment?
In Millikan’s experiment, the size of the droplet should be small and the droplet should not
evaporate. In water, we cannot find such types of conditions because water may evaporate due
to its high vapour pressure and the droplets of water are quite large.
4. What is meant by the specific charge of an electron? Its value is constant for cathode
rays but not for positive rays, why?
The "specific charge" of an electron is defined as the ratio of the charge of an electron
to its mass. It represents how much electric charge an electron carries per unit of mass.
Cathode rays are the stream of electrons. The values of charge and mass are constant
𝑒
for the electrons. Hence, the specific charge of cathode rays is constant. But positive
𝑚
rays are the stream of positive ions which have different masses and charges. Hence,
the specific charge of positive rays is not constant.
5. What is cross-field? Write one use of cross-field.
Cross-field is the region where electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other. In
this field, electric and magnetic force are equal and there is no deflection of charged particles.
It is used to measure the velocity of charged particles.
6. Why the electric field is perpendicular to the magnetic field in the Thomson’s experiment?
In Thomson’s experiment, the electric field (E) and magnetic field (B) are perpendicular so
that they can balance each other’s effects on the moving electrons.
When both forces cancel out, the electrons move in a straight line, allowing Thomson to
measure their speed and calculate the charge-to-mass ratio.
1
7. Beams of electrons and protons having the same initial K.E. enter normally into an electric
field, which beam will be more curved? Justify.
The transverse deflection of charged particles in an electric field is
1 1 𝑒𝐸 𝑥 2 1 𝑒𝐸𝑥 2
𝑦 = 2 𝑎𝑡 2 = 2 ( 𝑚 ) (𝑢) = 4 × 1
.𝑚𝑢2
2
1 𝑒𝐸𝑥 2
𝑦 =4× 𝐾.𝐸.
For the same 𝐾. 𝐸., y = constant
So both beams will be curved equally.
8. Why is a magnetic field used to deflect an electron beam and not on the electric field in a T.V.
picture tube?
If an electric field is used to deflect the electron beam in a TV picture tube, either a very high
voltage is to be applied or a very long tube is to be used. But if a magnetic field is used, even
a small magnetic field can produce a large deflection in a small picture tube. That's why …
9. An electron & proton move with the same speed in a uniform magnetic field of equal
magnitude. Compare the radii of their circular paths.
We know, the radius of a circular path in a mag. field is
𝑚𝑣
𝑟= 𝐵𝑒
For constant 𝑣, 𝐵, and 𝑒
𝑟𝑚
The mass of a proton is greater than that of an electron. Therefore, the radius of the circular
path of the proton is greater than that of the electron. (That means the electron bends more).
10. A charged particle is fired into a cubical region of space where there is a uniform magnetic
field. Outside this region, there is no magnetic field. Is it possible that the particle will remain
inside the cubical region?
When a charged particle is fired into a uniform magnetic field, it moves in a circular path. The
particle will remain inside the cubical region of the radius of the circular path that the charged
particle traced lies inside the cubical region.
11. Write down the expression for the acceleration of a moving charge 'Q' in parallel and
perpendicular magnetic fields.
The magnetic force on a charged particle is
𝐹 = 𝐵𝑄𝑉𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
2
When a charge particle Q is moving in a parallel magnetic field then 𝜃 = 0 so F = 0 &
acceleration (a) = 0.
When a charge particle Q is moving in ⊥r. magnetic field then 𝜃 = 90.
So, 𝐹 = 𝐵𝑄𝑉
𝑚𝑎 = 𝐵𝑄𝑉
BQV
𝑎 = m
12. What is the importance of Millikan's oil drop experiment?
The importance of Millikan's oil drop experiment are
• It establishes the quantum nature of the electric charge.
i.e. total charge is equal to an integral multiple of the basic unit of charge
So Q = ne where n = 1, 2, 3, ……… & e = 1.6 10-19 C
• It is used to determine the mass of the electron.
• It helps to determine the charge of electrons.
• It helps to determine Avogadro's number.
13. Compare the specific charge of an electron with that of a proton.
e
The specific charge of electron = m
e
e
The specific charge of proton = m
p
Specific charge of electron e mp 1.66 10-27
Specific charge of proton = me me = 9.1 10-31 = 1837
