X-ray Nature Explained
To understand how X-rays interact with electric and magnetic fields, we first need to know what X-rays are. X-rays are a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light, radio waves, or gamma rays. They travel at the speed of light (\(\textit{c}\)) and consist of photons. Importantly, photons have no net electric charge.
Field Interactions with X-rays
Electric and magnetic fields exert forces on particles based on their properties:
- Electric Fields: An electric field exerts a force on any particle that has an electric charge. The force is given by the equation \(\vec{F} = q\vec{E}\), where \(\vec{F}\) is the force, \(q\) is the charge of the particle, and \(\vec{E}\) is the electric field vector. A charged particle (like an electron or proton) will accelerate in the direction of the force, causing its path to deflect.
- Magnetic Fields: A magnetic field exerts a force on a *moving* charged particle. The force is given by the equation \(\vec{F} = q(\vec{v} \times \vec{B})\), where \(\vec{v}\) is the velocity of the particle and \(\vec{B}\) is the magnetic field vector. This force causes the path of the moving charged particle to curve.
Why X-rays Aren't Deflected
Since X-rays are composed of photons, and photons are electrically neutral (meaning their charge \(q = 0\)), they do not experience any force from either an electric field or a magnetic field.
- In an electric field: \(\vec{F} = 0 \times \vec{E} = \vec{0}\)
- In a magnetic field: \(\vec{F} = 0 \times (\vec{v} \times \vec{B}) = \vec{0}\)
Because no force acts upon them, X-rays travel in straight lines undisturbed by these fields.
Conclusion on X-ray Deflection
Based on their nature as electrically neutral electromagnetic radiation, X-rays cannot be deflected by electric fields or magnetic fields.
Therefore, the correct statement is that X-rays can be deflected:
- neither by electric field nor by magnetic field.
Similar Questions
A motorcycle has an initial velocity of 5 m/s. After 3 seconds, the velocity is 7 m/s. The displacement of the motorcycle in 3 seconds is:
The minimum power required to lift a mass of 50 kg up to a vertical distance of 8 m in 10 s is: (Take g = 10 m/s²)
Which one among the following statements is **not** correct?
The force with which the Earth attracts an object is called:
A metallic sphere of mass 1 kg and volume 2 × 10-4 m³ is completely immersed in water. The buoyant force exerted by water on the sphere is:
- An X-ray beam can be deflected by :
A body floats in a liquid if the buoyant force is:
Important Questions from Physics
What is the colour of the light emitted by the Sun?
Lightning occur in the sky when two clouds:
With reference to street-lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps?
1. Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
2. As street lights, sodium lamps have a longer life span than LED lamps.
3. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years?
In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following?
1. Area of the hole in the lid
2. Temperature of the flame
3. Weight of the lid
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
