If the particles have the same energy,If the particles have the same speeds

If the particles have the same energy

If beams of the three sorts of particles, all with the same energy, are passed between two electrically charged plates:

• Protons are deflected on a curved path towards the negative plate.
• Electrons are deflected on a curved path towards the positive plate.

The amount of deflection is exactly the same in the electron beam as the proton beam if the energies are the same - but, of course, it is in the opposite direction.

• Neutrons continue in a straight line.

If the electric field was strong enough, then the electron and proton beams might curve enough to hit their respective plates

If the particles have the same speeds

If beams of the three sorts of particles, all with the same speed, are passed between two electrically charged plates:

• Protons are deflected on a curved path towards the negative plate.
• Electrons are deflected on a curved path towards the positive plate.

If the electrons and protons are travelling with the same speed, then the lighter electrons are deflected far more strongly than the heavier protons.

• Neutrons continue in a straight line.