In particle accelerators such as the one shown, fields are employed to separate different subatomic particles. What type or types of fields are employed, and what characteristics do these particles need to have in order to be separated?

Question

Responses

Both electric and magnetic fields are applied. Particles need to have the same mass.

Electric fields are applied. Particles need to come from the same type of atom.

Magnetic fields are applied. Particles need to lack charge.

Both electric and magnetic fields are applied. Particles need to be charged.

Answer 1

The correct response is: Both electric and magnetic fields are applied. Particles need to be charged.

In particle accelerators, electric fields are used to accelerate charged particles, while magnetic fields are employed to steer and focus the particles. To be effectively separated, the particles must have a charge, as the actions of the electric and magnetic fields depend on the particles interacting with those fields. Particles that are neutral (such as neutrons) would not be influenced by electric fields and would not be separated from charged particles in this manner.