Topic 22: Electromagnetism

22.1 Force on a current carrying conductor:

A current carrying conductor placed in a

magnetic field experiences a magnetic force
whose direction is given by the Fleming’s LH rule.

Field due to conductor Resultant field

and magnet individually

This force is proportional to the length, L of conductor in the field, the current, I through the conductor and the
magnetic field strength, B. F α B I L => F = k B I L ( k = 1 from experiments), so F = B I L

F = B I L (θ = 900) F = B I L sin θ (in case the conductor is an angle θ to the field)

Magnetic field strength or magnetic flux density:

Symbol: B
Unit: Tesla (T) or weber / m2 (Wb/m2)
Definition: the magnetic flux density is the force acting per unit current length of the conductor.
Formula: B = F / I L
Note: T = NA -1m-1

Ex.: A straight conductor carrying a current of 6.5 A is situated in a uniform field of 4.3 mT. calculate the
electromagnetic force per unit length of the conductor when the angle between the conductor and the field is (i)
900 (ii) 450. (2.8 x 10-2 Nm-1 ; 2.0 x 10-2 Nm-1)
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The Tesla: A magnetic field has a flux density of 1 Tesla if a force of 1 N acts on a conductor of 1 m in length
Carrying a current of 1 A placed normally to the field.

The current balance: (Determining Magnetic Flux Density)

The magnetic flux in the region between the poles of a magnet can be measured using the apparatus below. The
magnetic field between the poles of the magnetic is approximately uniform.

The length L of the rigid wire between the magnets can be measured with a ruler. When no current flows, the
weight of the magnet can be read off the top pan balance. When a current flows as shown above, the wire
experiences a force, the direction of which is given by Fleming's Left Hand Rule and the magnitude of which is given
by the equation F = B I L sin θ . Fleming's Left Hand Rule gives the direction of the force on the wire as upwards,
so the wire will exert an equal force downwards on the magnet, increasing the reading on the top pan balance. The
magnetic force is the difference between the new reading and the weight of the magnet.

22.2 Force on a moving charge:

We can get moving charges from an electric current in a wire or a beam of electrons or a beam of protons in a
vacuum tube. When charges pass in a region of magnetic field, they experience a magnetic force perpendicular to
their direction of motion given by Fleming’s LH rule. As this force is perpendicular to the direction of motion, the
charges are not accelerated but only the direction of motion changes. The path is circular.

Derivation of F = B q v and m v = B q r:

From F = B I L and I = neAv, F = B neAv L => F = B e v nAL => F = B e v N θ , path of charge

Note: 1. For 1 charge, F = B e v

2. For charge entering the field at an angle θ to it, F = B e v N sin θ.
3. for a positive charge, F = B q v

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 For circular motion, the magnetic force balances
q the centripetal force, therefore,

F m = Fc

v2
m = Bqv
r
r
mv
r= ; this expression can be used to
Bq
find the specific charge, e/m e
r Field out
of paper r: radius of circle; m: mass of charge; v: velocity

22.3 Magnetic field due to currents:

- Long straight wire:
Field strength a distance, a from a wire is given by:

μ0 I
B=
2π a

-Flat circular coil of N turns:

Field strength at centre of flat coil is given by:

μ0 N I
B=
2r

- Long solenoid of n turns per unit length:

Field strength along axis inside solenoid is given by: B = μ0 n I

n = N / L ; N : number of turns; L : length

r Note: 1. Field is twice stronger at centre than at ends
2. using soft iron as core increases B by a factor of about
1000 as field lines become more concentrated.
3. equation is valid for solenoid at least 10 times longer
than width
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22.4 Force between current carrying wires:
Consider two wires carrying current I a distance, d apart. As each wire has a magnetic field around it, the fields will
interact (either they will attract each other or they will repel each other). From N III, the two forces will be equal in
magnitude but opposite in direction.

F1 = B2 I1 L ; F2 = B1 I2 L

μ0 I 2 μ I
F1 = I1 L ; F1 = 0 1 I2 L
2π d 2π d

The forces are equal to the

product I1 I2 so they are
equal.

Attraction occurs repulsion occurs

Laws of currents: 1. Like currents attract

2. Unlike currents repel.

- The Ampere: If two long, parallel wires 1 m apart carry the same current, and the magnitude of the magnetic
force per unit length is 2 x 10 -7 N/m, then the current is defined to be 1 A.

-The hall probe: B field through slice

d +++++++++++++++++
VH
t -----------------------
I
Slice of semi conductor I

The flow of current is the flow of positive and negative charges, so positive charges accumulate on the side shown
(apply FLH rule), and negative charges accumulate on its opposite side. A balance is reached when the electric
force, Fe is equal to the magnetic force, Fm. a voltage, known as the Hall voltage is created between the opposite
sides.

At equilibrium, Fe = Fm ; I = neAv => v = I / neA

Ee=BeV
VH BI
= ;A=dt
d ne A

BI
VH =
net
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- Comparing the effects of fields:

1. Gravitational field

(i) Always attractive

(ii) g α 1/ r2 (inverse square law)
(iii) ϕ α 1/ r

2. Electric field

-ve +ve +ve

(i) A positive charge move in the direction of the field whereas a negative charge move against the
field.
(ii) E α 1/ r2 (inverse square law)
(iii) V α 1/ r

3. Magnetic field

(i) Charge: (a) stationary charge stay unaffected

(b) moving charge experiences a force, F = B e v N sin θ

(ii) Current carrying conductors

(a) Current and field parallel => no force
(b) Any other direction between the two, conductor feels a force, F = B I L sin θ
θ : acute angle between field and conductor