Two parallel beams of positrons moving in the same direction will

Options

A. (a) not interact with each other
B. (b) repel each other
C. (c) attract each other
D. (d) be deflected normal to the plane containing two beams

Answer

To solve the question regarding the interaction between two parallel beams of positrons moving in the same direction, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the nature of positrons
Positrons are the antiparticles of electrons and carry a positive charge of \( +1.6 \times 10^{-19} \) Coulombs.

**Hint:** Remember that positrons are positively charged particles, which will influence their interactions with each other.

### Step 2: Analyze the motion of the beams
The question states that the two beams of positrons are moving in the same direction. For our analysis, we can visualize them as two parallel lines of positrons moving upward.

**Hint:** Visualizing the scenario can help in understanding the forces at play.

### Step 3: Relate the situation to current-carrying wires
In electromagnetism, two parallel wires carrying current in the same direction attract each other due to the magnetic fields they create. The same principle applies to the beams of positrons, as they can be treated like currents.

**Hint:** Recall the behavior of current-carrying wires to draw parallels to the behavior of the positron beams.

### Step 4: Determine the interaction between the beams
Since both beams are moving in the same direction, they will create magnetic fields around them. According to the right-hand rule, the magnetic field generated by one beam will exert a force on the other beam, leading to an attractive interaction.

**Hint:** Use the right-hand rule to visualize the direction of the magnetic fields and the resulting forces.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the two parallel beams of positrons moving in the same direction will attract each other due to the magnetic forces acting between them.

**Final Answer:** The two parallel beams of positrons moving in the same direction will attract each other.