CBSE Class 10 Science 2018 · Paper 31(B)/C · Question 13

(i) Yes. Alpha particles are positively charged (each carries a charge of $+2e$). A beam of moving alpha particles is a flow of charge, that is, an electric current in the direction of motion of the particles. Like the current in a metallic conductor, it produces a similar magnetic field around the beam. (ii) No. Neutrons carry no electric charge, so a beam of moving neutrons is not a flow of charge and is no current; no such magnetic field is produced around it. Rule: the right-hand thumb rule (Maxwell's corkscrew rule). If a current-carrying straight conductor is held in the right hand with the thumb pointing in the direction of the current, the fingers wrapped around the conductor give the direction of the magnetic field lines.