Full solution

Q. Figure

1.30

shows tracks of three charged particles in a uniom electrostatic field. Give the signs of the three charges. Which particle has the highest charge to mass ratio?

Observe particle deflection: Look at the direction of the deflection of the particles in the field; particles deflect towards the opposite charge of the field plates.
Determine particle charges: If a particle deflects towards the positive plate, it must be negatively charged; if it deflects towards the negative plate, it's positively charged.
Identify particle charges: Particle $1$ deflects towards the positive plate, so it's negatively charged.
Analyze particle paths: Particle $2$ deflects towards the negative plate, so it's positively charged.
Consider charge to mass ratio: Particle $3$ doesn't deflect, indicating it's either neutral or the field is not affecting it.
Compare radii of paths: The charge to mass ratio is indicated by the radius of the path; smaller radius means higher $\frac{charge}{mass}$ ratio.
Calculate charge to mass ratio: Compare the radii of the paths of particles $1$ and $2$ , since particle $3$ is neutral or unaffected.
Calculate charge to mass ratio: Compare the radii of the paths of particles $1$ and $2$ , since particle $3$ is neutral or unaffected.Particle $1$ has a smaller radius than particle $2$ , so it has a higher charge to mass ratio.