Observing Magnetic Deflection of Low-Energy Electrons

To qualitatively verify that low-energy electrons are indeed deflected by a magnetic field, a simple setup consisting in a low activity beta source, a magnet and a Geiger counter may be used, with an appropriate shield preventing the electrons to reach directly the Geiger. The mere presence of a strong magnet in front of the Geiger tube sensibly modifies the count rate due to the beta source, thus showing that a large fraction of electrons is indeed deflected by their original direction.