Identifying Alpha/Beta/Gamma Magnetic fields POSITIVE Moving charged particles will be deflected by a magnetic field – use the right hand slap rule! Magnetic Field Alpha – large charge – large deflection X X X X Slap – direction of force Current – direction of positive charge Gamma – no charge no deflection Beta – small charge – small deflection Magnetic field – into page NEGATIVE moving charged particles (electrons) will be deflected by a magnetic field – back hand right hand slap rule!
See Radiation Through Electric Field applet See Radiation Through Magnetic Field applet