A stream of alpha particles is projected into an electric field between two plates X and Y as shown in the diagram above. Which of the following is correct?...

A stream of alpha particles is projected into an electric field between two plates X and Y as shown in the diagram above. Which of the following is correct? The particles are

Answer Details

The stream of alpha particles projected into an electric field between two plates X and Y will be deflected towards plate Y. This is because alpha particles are positively charged and therefore attracted to the negatively charged plate Y. The direction of deflection depends on the direction of the electric field and the initial velocity of the alpha particles. The other options are incorrect because the particles are not accelerated in a straight line, directionally reversed at the end of the plates, or attracted by both plates. The particles are only deflected towards one plate due to the electric field.