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Magnetism And Matter

Question
CBSEENPH12037714

Answer the following question:
Interstellar space has an extremely weak magnetic field of the order of 10–12 T. Can such a weak field be of any significant consequence? Explain.

Solution

From the relation,  R = m ve B,   mv2R = qvB 

we find that an extremely minute field bends charged particles in a circle of very large radius. Over a small distance, the deflection due to the circular orbit of such large radius may not be noticeable, but over the gigantic interstellar distances, the deflection can significantly affect the passage of charged particles, e.g., cosmic rays.