consider an electron near the equator. in which direction does it tend to deflect by the magnetic field of the earth if its velocity is directed
a.northward
If the velocity of the electron is directed northward, then the right-hand rule can be used to determine the direction in which it tends to deflect due to the Earth's magnetic field. According to the right-hand rule, you would point your right thumb in the direction of the velocity (northward in this case) and curl your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field, which is downward near the Earth's surface. The direction your fingers point indicates the direction of the deflection force. In this case, the deflection force would be towards the east. Therefore, the electron tends to deflect towards the east when its velocity is directed northward near the equator.
To determine the direction in which an electron near the equator deflects due to the magnetic field of the Earth, we need to apply the right-hand rule. The right-hand rule relates the direction of the magnetic field, velocity, and the force experienced by a moving charge.
1. Extend your right hand with your thumb, index finger, and middle finger perpendicular to each other, forming a 90-degree angle.
2. Point your thumb in the direction of the electron's velocity. In this case, the velocity is northward.
3. Point your index finger in the direction of the Earth's magnetic field at the equator. The Earth's magnetic field at the equator points approximately towards the geographic north pole.
4. Your middle finger will then point in the direction of the force experienced by the electron.
Based on the right-hand rule, the electron will deflect towards the east when its velocity is directed northward. Therefore, the answer is eastward.