Which of the following is deflected by electric field?

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Accepted Answer

1. **Principle:** An electric field exerts a force ($F = qE$) only on electrically charged particles, causing them to deflect from their path. Neutral particles or radiations pass through undefined .
2. **Analysis of Options:**
   - **X-rays:** These are high-energy electromagnetic radiations and are electrically neutral . They are not deflected.
   - **Gamma rays:** These are also electromagnetic radiations (neutral) emitted during radioactive decay . They are not deflected.
   - **Neutrons:** As the name implies, these are fundamental particles with no electric charge (neutral) . They are not deflected.
   - **$\alpha$-particles:** These are helium nuclei (${}_{2}^{4}\mathrm{He}$), consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. They carry a positive charge of $+2e$ .
3. **Conclusion:** Being positively charged, $\alpha$-particles experience an electrostatic force in an electric field and are deflected.

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