Particles from Space

Question 1

Cosmic Rays

Answer 1

are high energy, charged particles travelling at almost the speed of light. When they hit the top of the atmosphere secondary particles are produced in showers

Question 2

The composition of solar wind

Answer 2

as charged particles in the form of plasma that are ejected by the sun’s upper atmosphere. Were it not for the Earth’s magnetic field, the solar wind would have a major impact upon earth.

THEY ARE NOT HIGH ENERGY.

Question 3

Hazards of solar wind

Answer 3

Cosmic rays can damage human DNA

They can interfere with our electronics

Question 4

Explanation of helical motion

Answer 4

The perpendicular component, vsinθ, provides the centripetal force which produces the circular motion to the field lines. The component of velocity, vcosθ, parallel to the magnetic field causes no change in the particles motion but it continues to move in that direction with a constant velocity.

Question 5

F = qvB

Answer 5

F = Force (N)
q = Charge (C)
B = magnetic induction (T)
v = speed (ms-1)

if v is not perpendicular 90 degrees then its component must be calculated i.e 15 degrees vsin15

Question 6

derive r = mv/qB

Answer 6

F = mv^2/r      and      F = Bqv
so
mv^2/r = qvB
thus
r = mv/qB

Question 7

Why is a higher altitude and a location further away from the equator better for observing cosmic rays?

Answer 7

High altitude - reduces interaction of rays with the atmosphere
Further away from the equator - is where the Earth’s magnetic field is stronger

Question 8

r is proportional to

Answer 8

m/q