Question
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,
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.