Force on a current-carrying conductor (wire)
A wire carrying a current has a magnetic field around it (direction given by the right
hand rule grip rule).
If the wire is placed in another magnetic field, the two magnetic fields will interact
and there will be a force on the wire.
In the above arrangement, the wire will move downwards due to the force on it.
In the experience shown above, a length of copper wire has been placed in the
magnetic field.
Copper is a non-magnetic, so it is feels no force from the magnet. However, with a
current passing through it, there is a force on the wire.
The force arises because the current produces its own magnetic field which acts on the
poles of the magnet.
In this case, the force on the wire is upwards. It would be downwards if either the
magnetic field or current were reversed
Whichever way the experiment is done, the wire moves across the field. It is not
attracted to either pole.
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The force is increased if:
1. the current is increased
2. a stronger magnet is used
3. The length of wire is increased.
4. The magnetic Flux density - how many field (Flux) lines there are in a region.
This shows the strength of the magnetic field.
When the current is at 90 degrees to the magnetic field it is in, the force acting on it
can be found using the equation:
F=BIL
Where F is force in N
I is the current (A)
L is the length (m)
B is the magnetic Flux density (T, tesla)
From the equation magnetic force depends on B, I and L
Fleming's left hand rule
In the above experiment, the direction of force can be predicted using Fleming's left
hand rule.
If you hold the thumb and first two fingers of your left hand at right angles, and point
the fingers as shown, the thuMb gives the direction of the force.
In applying the rule, it is important to remember how the field and current directions
are defined:
1. The field direction is from the N pole of a magnet to S pole.
2. The current direction is from the positive to negative terminal of the battery. This
is called the conventional current direction.
Fleming's left hand rule only applies if the current and the field directions are at
right angles.
To check the direction of the force, hold your fingers in the position shown above.
Now turn your hand so that your second finger points into the page and your first
finger points from left to right across the page.
Your thumb should point down the page, in the direction of the force.
Remember: First finger Field, seCond finger Current, thuMb for Motion.
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If the direction of the magnetic field stays the same but the direction of the current is
reversed (so that it comes out of the page), the force reverses and is now upwards.
If the direction of the current remains into the page and the magnetic field is reversed
(so that it goes right to left across the page), the force reverses and is now upwards.
Note.
Force between two-carrying wires.
When two wires are carrying current, they will experience mutual forces of
attraction or repulsion because each of them will produce a magnetic field
which will affect the other.
If the current flow in the same direction, the wires will attract each other;
if the currents flow in opposite directions, the wires will repel.
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SUMMARY OF FIELD AND FORCE
By itself, the current in a straight wire produces a circular magnetic field pattern.
However, when the wire is between the poles of a magnet, the combined field is as
above.
In situations like this, the field lines tend to straighten. So in this case, the wire gets
pushed upwards.
Several devices use the fact that there is a force on a current-carrying conductor in a
magnetic field.
they include the:
louder speaker,
meter and
electric motors.
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