UNIT- III MAGNETIC EFFECT OF CURRENT

The creation of magnetic field around a current carrying conductor is known as magnetic effect of current.
The branch of physics which deals with magnetism due to electric current is known as electromagnetism.

Oersted’s Experiment:
The magnetic effect of electric current was first discovered by Danish Physicist Christian Oersted in
1820. He demonstrated that if magnetic compass is kept near or below the current carrying conductor, it gets
deflected depicting presence of magnetic field. He observed that:
1) When a magnetic needle is placed near the current carrying wire, the needle shows deflection.
2) The deflection of needle increases with increase in current.
3) On reversing the direction of current through the wire, the
direction of deflection also gets reversed.
Since magnetic needle shows deflection only when there is magnetic field.
Therefore magnetic field is established around the current carrying wire.
So, according to Oersted, current in the wire acts as source of magnetic field.
Thus Oersted unified electricity and magnetism.

Rules for Determination of Direction of Magnetic field:

1) Ampere’s swimming rule:
If we imagine a man swimming along the wire carrying current such that his face is always towards the
magnetic needle with current entering his feet and leaving his head, then North Pole of the magnetic needle
is always deflected towards his left hand.
2) SNOW rule: If current is flowing from south to north direction then north of magnetic needle gets
deflected towards west.
3) Right Hand Grip rule: If we hold the current carrying conductor in
right hand such that the thumb points in the direction of current flow,
then the fingers encircling the wire points in the direction of the magnetic
field produced.

Biot-Savart Law:
Jean Beptiste Biot and Felix Savart experimentally observed that magnitude of magnetic field (𝑑𝐵⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ) at a point
P created by an element of infinitesimal length dl of wire has following properties:
a) The magnitude of magnetic field is directly proportional to strength of current through the wire.
i.e., 𝑑𝐵 ∝ I
b) The magnitude of magnetic field is directly proportional to the length of element dl.
i.e., 𝑑𝐵 ∝ dl
c) The magnitude of magnetic field is inversely proportional to square of the distance between the point
1
P and the element dl. i.e., 𝑑𝐵 ∝ 𝑟 2
d) The magnitude of magnetic field is directly proportional to sine of angle (say θ) between ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 and 𝑟.
i.e., 𝑑𝐵 ∝ Sin𝜃

1
Combining these factors, we find
𝑰 𝒅𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽
𝑑𝐵 ∝
𝒓𝟐
𝑰 𝒅𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽
Or, 𝑑𝐵 = km
𝒓𝟐
Where km is constant of proportionality known as magnetic constant.
In CGS system, km =1
𝝁
& in SI system km = 𝟎 = 10 − 7 Tesla meter /Ampere (Tm/A).
𝟒𝝅
𝜇0 is permeability of free space.
𝝁𝟎 𝑰 𝒅𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 𝑰 𝒅𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽
Thus 𝑑𝐵 =
𝟒𝝅 𝒓𝟐
⇒ 𝑑𝐵 = 10−7 𝒓𝟐
The total magnetic field at point P due to entire current carrying wire will be:
𝟎 𝝁 𝑰 𝒅𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 𝝁 𝑰 𝒅𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽
∫ 𝑑𝐵 = ∫ 𝟒𝝅 𝒓𝟐
⇒ B = ∫ 𝟒𝝅𝟎 𝒓𝟐
. This is known as Biot-Savart Law.
𝝁 ⃗⃗⃗⃗ × ⃗𝒓
𝑰𝒅𝒍 𝝁𝟎 ⃗⃗⃗⃗ × 𝒓̂
𝑰𝒅𝒍
In vector form B = ∫ 𝟎 or B = ∫ where ⃗⃗⃗ is a vector
𝑟̂ is unit vector along 𝑟 & 𝐼𝑑𝑙
𝟒𝝅 𝒓𝟑 𝟒𝝅 𝒓𝟐
quantity known as current element having the direction of current at that point.
⃗⃗⃗ & 𝑟̂ (i.e., perpendicular to plane formed by (I𝑑𝑙
This magnetic field is perpendicular both to I𝑑𝑙 ⃗⃗⃗ × 𝑟 ).

Note:
⃗⃗⃗ ) produces magnetic
 Scalar quantity charge (dq) produces electric field while a vector quantity (I𝑑𝑙
field.
 Both electric field and magnetic field obey superposition principle.
⃗⃗⃗ & 𝑟.
 Electric field is radial while magnetic field id perpendicular to I𝑑𝑙
 Electric field at a point does not depend on the angle while magnetic field depends on the angle.

Magnetic Field due to a long straight conductor (wire) carrying current:

Consider a long straight wire carrying current I. Let P be the point at a distance of ‘a’ from point O. Consider
an element of length dl of wire at a distance l from point O. Let θ be the angle between ⃗⃗⃗ 𝑑𝑙 & 𝑟. Then
magnetic field at P due to element dl is:
𝝁 𝑰 𝒅𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽
𝑑𝐵 = 𝟒𝝅𝟎 𝒓𝟐
……… (1)
The direction of field is perpendicular to the plane of paper and going inwards.
From right angled ∆PAO:
𝑎 𝑎
Tan (𝜋 – 𝜃) = 𝑙
⇒ l = − tan 𝜃 …………… {Because tan (𝜋 – 𝜃) =− tan θ}
⇒ l = − a cot 𝜃 ………. (2)
Differentiating equation (2) w. r. t 𝜃, we find
𝑑𝑙
𝑑𝜃
= a cosec 2 ⇒ dl = a cosec 2𝜃 d𝜃
Similarly from right angled ∆PAO:
𝑎 𝑎
Sin (𝜋 – 𝜃) = 𝑟 ⇒ r = Sin 𝜃 ⇒ r = a cosec 𝜃
Thus from equation (1), we find:
𝝁𝟎 𝑰 𝑎 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 𝒅𝜽
𝑑𝐵 =
𝟒𝝅 (𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝜃 )𝟐

2
 𝝁𝟎 𝑰 𝑎 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 𝒅𝜽 𝝁𝟎 𝑰 𝑎 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 𝒅𝜽 𝝁𝟎 𝑰
⇒ 𝑑𝐵 = 𝟒𝝅 (𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝜃 )𝟐
=
𝟒𝝅 𝑎2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃
= 𝟒𝝅 𝒂
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
The net magnetic field at point P can be determined by integrating above equation b/w proper limits:
𝜑 𝝁𝟎 𝑰 𝝁𝟎 𝑰 𝜑 𝝁𝟎 𝑰 𝝁𝟎 𝑰
∴ B = ∫𝜑 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = 2
∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = [− 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝜃] 𝜑
𝜑
2
= [− 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝜑2 + 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝜑1 ]
1 𝟒𝝅 𝒂 𝟒𝝅 𝒂 𝜑 1 𝟒𝝅 𝒂 1 𝟒𝝅 𝒂
𝝁𝟎 𝑰
⇒B= [ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝜑1 − 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝜑2 ]
𝟒𝝅 𝒂

Special case: For an infinitely long straight wire, 𝜑1 = 0 & 𝜑2 = 𝜋

𝝁𝟎 𝑰 𝟐 𝝁𝟎 𝑰
⇒B= [ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 0 − 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝜋] =
𝟒𝝅 𝒂 𝟒𝝅 𝒂
𝝁𝟎 𝑰
Thus B = 𝟐𝝅 𝒂
Magnetic Field along the Axis of the Current Carrying Circular Loop:
Consider a circular loop carrying current I. Let R be the radius of circular loop. Let P be the point on the axis
of the circular loop at a distance of x units from the centre of coil O. Consider an element of length dl at C.
Then magnetic field at P due to element dl is:
𝝁 𝑰 𝒅𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽
𝑑𝐵 = 𝟒𝝅𝟎 𝒓𝟐
𝝁 𝑰 𝒅𝒍
Here 𝜃 = 900, therefore 𝑑𝐵 = 𝟒𝝅𝟎 ……….. (1) 𝒓𝟐
⃗⃗⃗ & 𝑟. (i.e., along PM)
The direction of field is perpendicular to I𝑑𝑙
Consider another element dl at D diametrically opposite to element at C.
Then magnetic field at P due to this element dl is:
𝝁 𝑰 𝒅𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽
𝑑𝐵 = 𝟒𝝅𝟎 𝒓𝟐
𝝁 𝑰 𝒅𝒍
Here 𝜃 = 900, therefore 𝑑𝐵 = 𝟒𝝅𝟎 𝒓𝟐
along PN.
Let angle b/w axis of coil and 𝑟 is α. The magnetic field ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵 due to each
⃗⃗⃗
current element I 𝑑𝑙 is resolved into components. dB Cos α of each current
element cancels out while dB Sin α of each current element alone contribute to the total magnetic field at P.
Therefore net field at P can be obtained by integrating dB Sin α. Thus we find
B = ∫ 𝑑𝐵 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝛼
𝝁 𝑰 𝒅𝒍
⇒ B = ∫ 𝟒𝝅𝟎 𝒓𝟐
𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝛼
𝝁𝟎 𝑰 𝒅𝒍 𝑅 𝑅
⇒B= ∫ 𝟒𝝅 𝒓𝟐 𝑟 ………… (Because from figure Sin 𝛼 = 𝑟 )
𝝁𝟎 𝑰 𝑹 𝝁 𝑰𝑹
⇒ B = 𝟒𝝅 ∫ 𝑑𝑙 ⇒ B = 𝟒𝝅𝟎 (2𝜋R) ……….. (Because ∫ 𝑑𝑙 = 2 𝜋 𝑅)
𝒓𝟑 𝒓𝟑
𝝁𝟎 𝑰 𝑹𝟐
⇒B= 𝟐 𝒓𝟑
But r = R + x2
2 2

𝝁𝟎 𝑰 𝑹𝟐
∴B= 𝟐 (𝑅 2 + 𝑥 2 )𝟑⁄𝟐
𝝁𝟎 𝑵𝑰 𝑹𝟐
For N turns, B = 2 (𝑅 2 + 𝑥 2 )𝟑⁄𝟐
Special Case: Magnetic field at the centre of the coil will be:
𝝁 𝑰
B = 2 𝟎𝑅 …………. (Put x = 0)
𝝁𝟎 𝑵𝑰
For N turns B = 2𝑅
Also magnetic field at the centre of circular loop is perpendicular to the plane of the loop.
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Ampere’s Circuital Law:
Ampere’s Law is a relation between the line integral of magnetic field and the net current which produces
this field.
⃗ around any closed path is equal to 𝜇0 times
This law states that the line integral of magnetic field 𝐵
the net current I passing through any surface bounded by the closed path.
⃗⃗⃗ = 𝜇0 I
⃗ . 𝑑𝑙
i.e., ∮ 𝐵
The closed path or loop is known as Amperian loop. It is a geometrical entity but not a real wire loop.
Ampere’s law holds as long as the current is steady and continuous.

Proof: Consider an infinite long straight conductor carrying a steady current I.

The magnetic field around this wire will be circular. Consider one such a circular
path at a distance of r units from the centre of wire.
The magnetic field at point P which lies on this circular path will be:
𝝁𝟎 𝑰
B= …………….. (Using Biot-Savart Law)
𝟐𝝅 𝒓
To evaluate line integral of magnetic field around this circular path (Amperian Loop),
Consider a line element 𝑑𝑙 ⃗⃗⃗ such that at every point both 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ are tangential to this circular path. Thus
⃗ & 𝑑𝑙
0
angle between them is 0 .
∴ ∮𝐵 ⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 = ∮ 𝐵 𝑑𝑙 𝐶𝑜𝑠 00
⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
⇒∮𝐵 𝑑𝑙 = ∮ 𝐵 𝑑𝑙
⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
⇒∮𝐵 ⃗ is constant on this loop)
𝑑𝑙 = B ∮ 𝑑𝑙 ………. (Because 𝐵
𝝁 𝑰
⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
⇒∮𝐵 𝑑𝑙 = 𝟐𝝅𝟎 𝒓 ∮ 𝑑𝑙
𝝁 𝑰
⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
⇒∮𝐵 𝑑𝑙 = 𝟐𝝅𝟎 𝒓 (2 𝜋 r) ………….. (Because ∮ 𝑑𝑙 = 2 𝜋 𝑟)
⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
Hence ∮ 𝐵 𝑑𝑙 = 𝜇0 I

Note:
To determine path of integration, Amperian loop conditions that must be satisfied are:
 𝐵 ⃗ must be same at every point on the path and point at which 𝐵 ⃗ is to be calculated must lie on the
path.
 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ should be tangent at that point.
⃗ and 𝑑𝑙
 Current must remain constant.

Magnetic Field due to an infinite straight conductor (wire) carrying current:

Consider an infinitely long straight wire carrying a constant current I.
The magnetic field around this wire will be like concentric circles with the
wire passing through the centre. Consider one such a circular path at a distance
of r units from the centre of the wire.
Using Ampere’s Law for this loop, we find
∮𝐵 ⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 = 𝜇0 I

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⇒ ∮ 𝐵 𝑑𝑙 𝐶𝑜𝑠 00 = 𝜇0 I ⇒ ∮ 𝐵 𝑑𝑙 = 𝜇0 I
⇒ 𝐵 ∮ 𝑑𝑙 = 𝜇0 I ⇒ 𝐵 (2 𝜋 𝑟) = 𝜇0 I ……………. (Because ∮ 𝑑𝑙 = 2 𝜋 𝑟)
𝝁𝟎 𝑰
Hence B =
𝟐𝝅 𝒓
This perfectly agrees with the result obtained from Biot-Savart law.

Note:
However if the wire is of finite length, magnetic field will be:
𝝁 𝑰
B = 𝟐𝝅𝟎 𝒓
Which does not agrees with the result obtained from Biot-Savart law. This is limitation of Ampere’s circuital
law.

Magnetic field inside a Solenoid:

A solenoid is a long wire wound in the form of helix. An ideal solenoid is one in which turns are closely
spaced and length is much greater than the radius of the turn. The magnetic field of the solenoid is due to the
superposition of magnetic fields of each turn of the solenoid. Inside the solenoid, the magnetic field is nearly
uniform and parallel to its axis whereas, outside the solenoid the field is negligibly small.
Consider an ideal solenoid having N turns carrying current I. To find magnetic field at a point
inside the solenoid, line integral, let us consider a rectangular Amperian loop abcd of length L units. The line
integral for closed loop abcd can be written as sum of four integrals, one for each path.
i.e., ∮ 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ = ∫𝑏 𝐵
⃗ . 𝑑𝑙 ⃗⃗⃗ + ∫𝑐 𝐵
⃗ . 𝑑𝑙 ⃗⃗⃗ + ∫𝑑 𝐵
⃗ . 𝑑𝑙 ⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 + ∫
𝑎
⃗⃗⃗ …… (1)
⃗ . 𝑑𝑙
𝐵
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑑
Since 𝑑𝑙⃗⃗⃗ along bc and da are perpendicular to 𝐵 ⃗
𝑐 𝑎
∴ ∫ 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ = ∫ 𝐵
⃗ . 𝑑𝑙 ⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 = 0
𝑏 𝑑
𝑑
Also ∫𝑐 𝐵⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ = 0 ……. (Because 𝐵
. 𝑑𝑙 ⃗ outside is zero)
Thus from equation (1), we find
∮𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ = ∫𝑏 𝐵
⃗ . 𝑑𝑙 ⃗⃗⃗ + 0 + 0 + 0
⃗ . 𝑑𝑙
𝑎
𝑏
⇒∮𝐵 ⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 = ∫ 𝐵 𝑑𝑙 𝐶𝑜𝑠 00 = B [𝑙] 𝑏 = B (b - a) = BL …… (2)
𝑎 𝑎
But according to Ampere’s Law;
∮𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ = 𝜇0 (net current enclosed by Amperian loop abcd)
⃗ . 𝑑𝑙
⇒ ∮𝐵 ⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 = 𝜇0 (number of turns) (current in one turn)
⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
⇒ ∮𝐵 𝑑𝑙 = 𝜇0 N I …………. (3)
Comparing equation (2) & (3), we find:
𝑁
BL = 𝜇0 N I ⇒ B = 𝜇0 𝐿 I
⇒ B = 𝜇0 n I ………. (Where n is number of turns per unit length)
Since n & 𝜇0 are constant, therefore for a fixed value of I, magnetic field inside the solenoid is also constant.

End Rule: The magnetic polarity of current carrying solenoid is given by End Rule:
i.e., The face of solenoid (coil) acts as North Pole if current appears anti-clockwise & if the current is
clockwise, the face acts as South Pole.

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 Magnetic field of a Toroid:
A solenoid bent in such a way that its ends are joined together to form a closed ring shape is known as
Toroid. Since the magnetic field at the centre of circular loop is perpendicular to the plane of the loop.
Therefore the magnetic field lines of the collection of loops will form circles within the toroid. The magnetic
⃗ has a constant magnitude everywhere inside the toroid whereas magnetic field is zero in the open
field 𝐵
space interior of the toroid and in the open space exterior to the toroid.
Consider a toroid having N turns carrying current I. Three Amperian loops are shown by dashed
lines giving the sectional view of the toroid.

1) Magnetic field in the open space interior of the toroid:

Let BP is the magnitude of magnetic field along Amperian loop 1 of radius r1.
Thus according to Ampere’s Law:
∮𝐵⃗ 𝑃 . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 = 𝜇0 I
⇒ BP (2 𝜋 r1) = 𝜇0 I ………. (𝐵𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 ∮ 𝑑𝑙 ⃗⃗⃗ = 2 𝜋 r1)
Since the loop 1 encloses no current (i.e., I = 0)
∴ BP (2 𝜋 r1) = 0 ⇒ BP = 0
Hence magnetic field at any point in the open space interior of the toroid is zero.

2) Magnetic field inside the toroid:

Let BS is the magnitude of magnetic field along Amperian loop 2 of radius r2.
Thus according to Ampere’s Law:
∮𝐵⃗ 𝑆 . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 = 𝜇0 I
⇒ BS (2 𝜋 r2) = 𝜇0 I ………. (𝐵𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 ∮ 𝑑𝑙 ⃗⃗⃗ = 2 𝜋 r2)
Since the loop 2 encloses current equal to N I
𝑁
∴ BS (2 𝜋 r2) = 𝜇0 N I ⇒ BS = 𝜇0 I
2𝜋𝑟2
𝑁
⇒ BS = 𝜇0 n I ………. Where 2𝜋𝑟 = n (number of turns per unit length)
2

3) Magnetic field in the open space exterior to the toroid:

Let BQ is the magnitude of magnetic field along Amperian loop 3 of radius r3.
Thus according to Ampere’s Law:
∮𝐵⃗ 𝑄 . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 = 𝜇0 I
⇒ BQ (2 𝜋 r3) = 𝜇0 I ………. (𝐵𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 ∮ 𝑑𝑙 ⃗⃗⃗ = 2 𝜋 r3)
Since in each turn of the toroid loop, current coming out of the plane is cancelled by the current going into
the plane of paper. Thus loop 3 encloses no net current.
∴ BQ (2 𝜋 r3) = 0 ⇒ BQ = 0
Hence magnetic field at any point in the open space exterior to the toroid is also zero.

Force on a Moving Charge in a Uniform Magnetic and Electric Field (Lorentz Force):
Consider a particle having charge +q moving with velocity 𝑣 such that it makes an angle θ with the direction
of magnetic field 𝐵⃗ . The magnetic force experienced by charged particle +q depends on:
i) The magnetic force 𝐹𝐵 is proportional to the magnitude of charge.
i.e., 𝐹𝐵 ∝ q
ii) The magnetic force 𝐹𝐵 is proportional to the velocity of the particle.
i.e., 𝐹𝐵 ∝ v
6
 iii) The magnetic force 𝐹𝐵 is proportional to the magnitude of magnetic field.
i.e., 𝐹𝐵 ∝ B
iv) ⃗.
The magnetic force 𝐹𝐵 is proportional to the Sin𝜃, where 𝜃 is angle b/w 𝑣 & 𝐵
i.e., 𝐹𝐵 ∝ Sin𝜃

Combining these factors, we find

𝐹𝐵 ∝ q v B Sin θ
Or 𝐹𝐵 = k q v B Sin θ
1
In SI system k = 1 and in CGS system k = (c is speed of light)
𝐶
∴ 𝐹𝐵 = q v B Sin θ ⇒ 𝐹𝐵 = q (𝑣 × 𝐵 ⃗)
⃗.
This magnetic force is perpendicular to the plane formed by 𝑣 & 𝐵

Case 1: If q = 0, then 𝐹𝐵 = 0.
Hence no magnetic force acts on a neutral particle in a magnetic field.
Case 2: If v = 0, then 𝐹𝐵 = 0.
Hence no magnetic force acts on a stationary charged particle in a magnetic field.
Case 3: If 𝜃 = 00 or 1800, then 𝐹𝐵 = 0.
Hence no magnetic force acts on a charged particle moving parallel or anti parallel to the direction of
magnetic field.
Case 4: If 𝜃 = 900, then 𝐹𝐵 = q v B (maximum).
Hence a charged particle experiences maximum magnetic force when it moves perpendicular to the direction
of magnetic field.

Force experienced by a charged particle q inside uniform electric field is: 𝐹𝐸 = q 𝐸⃗

Hence total force experienced by a charged particle q due to both electric and magnetic field is given by:
𝐹 = 𝐹𝐸 + 𝐹𝐵
⇒ 𝐹 = q 𝐸⃗ + q (𝑣 × 𝐵 ⃗)
⇒ 𝐹 = q [𝐸⃗ + (𝑣 × 𝐵 ⃗ )]. This is known as Lorentz Law or Lorentz Force Law

Rule for determining direction of magnetic force (Right Hand Rule):

Point the 4 fingers of your right hand along the direction of 𝑣 with the palm facing 𝐵 ⃗ and curl them towards
⃗ . Then the extended thumb points in the direction of 𝐹𝐵 . Also if q is negative, then 𝐹𝐵 is in opposite direction
𝐵
of the extended thumb.

Definition of Tesla:
The equation 𝐹𝐵 = q v B Sin θ can be regarded as an operational definition of the magnetic field at some
point in space.
If FB = 1 N, q = 1 C, v = 1m/s & 𝜃 = 900
1𝑁 𝑁
Then, 1 T = 1 𝐶 . 1 𝑚/𝑠 = 1 𝐴 . 𝑚
∴ 1 tesla = 1 Newton Ampere-1metre-1. It is SI unit of magnetic field.
Hence magnitude of magnetic field at a point is said to be 1 tesla if a charge of 1 coulomb while moving
perpendicular to direction of magnetic field with a velocity of 1 m/s experiences a force of 1 Newton at that
point.
Also 1 Tesla = 104Gauss

7
Motion of a Charged Particle in a Uniform Transverse Magnetic Field:
Consider a charged particle of charge q and mass m moving with velocity 𝑣 in a uniform transverse
magnetic field 𝐵⃗ (angle b/w 𝑣 & 𝐵 ⃗ is 900). The magnetic force experienced by the charge q is given by:
𝐹𝐵 = q v B Sin 900 = q v B
⃗.
This force acts in a direction perpendicular to both 𝑣 & 𝐵
We know that, when a force is perpendicular to velocity at every point, then the particle moves along a
circular path as the force only changes the direction of the particle but not the magnitude of velocity. Thus
this motion can be modeled as uniform circular motion.
Here magnetic force acts as centripetal force for the charged particle to execute a circular motion.
𝑚 𝑣2 𝑚𝑣
∴qvB=
𝑟
⇒r= 𝑞𝐵
. This is the radius of circular path.
Let T is the time taken by the particle to complete one circle, then
2𝜋𝑟 2𝜋 𝑚𝑣 2𝜋𝑚
T=
𝑣
⇒T= 𝑣 𝑞𝐵
⇒T= 𝑞𝐵
This shows that the period of the circular motion do not depend on
the speed of the particle or on the radius of the orbit.

1 𝑞𝐵
& frequency f = = . This is known as cyclotron frequency.
𝑇 2𝜋𝑚
𝑞𝐵 𝑞𝐵
Also angular frequency 𝜔 = 2 𝜋 f = 2 𝜋 =
2𝜋𝑚 𝑚

Special Case:
If 𝑣 is not perpendicular to 𝐵 ⃗ . Then resolving 𝑣 into components, we find vCos𝜃 is along magnetic field
and v sinθ is in the direction perpendicular to 𝐵⃗ . Hence under v sinθ component the particle will execute a
circle and under v Cosθ the particle will cover a horizontal distance. Thus the particle will move along a
helical path.

Motion of a Charged Particle under Crossed Electric and Magnetic Field (velocity selector):
Consider an electric charge q of mass m enters into a region where both electric field and magnetic field
are perpendicular to each other as shown in figure. Let velocity of particle is 𝑣. The forces acting on the
charged particle are:
i) Magnetic force equal to q v B acting upwards.
ii) Electric force equal to q E acting downwards.
When the magnitude of the fields are chosen so that q E = q v B,
The forces cancel. The charged particle is thus in equilibrium and
moves in a straight line through the region of the field.
From the expression q E = q v B, we find
𝐸
v=
𝐵
This speed is independent of mass & charge. Also only those particles having this speed pass undeflected
through the mutually perpendicular electric and magnetic fields.

Special case:
Case 1: The particles having speeds greater than this speed are deflected in the direction of magnetic force.
Case 2: The particles moving at speeds slower than this speed are deflected in the direction of electric force.

8
Force on a Conductor Carrying Current in a Uniform Magnetic Field:
Consider a straight segment of wire (conductor) of length L and having cross sectional area A carrying
current I kept in a uniform magnetic field 𝐵⃗ as shown in figure. If n is the number of free electrons per unit
volume. Thus total free electrons in the wire will be n A L.
∴ Magnetic force on a single electron moving with drift velocity is e (𝒗 ⃗⃗ ).
⃗𝒅 × 𝑩
Thus total force acting on the wire will be 𝐹𝐵 = e (𝑣𝑑 × 𝐵 ⃗)𝑛𝐴𝐿
⇒ 𝐹𝐵 = n A L e (𝑣𝑑 × 𝐵⃗)
⃗ ………….. (1)
⇒ 𝐹𝐵 = (n e A L 𝑣𝑑 ) × 𝐵
We know that; I = n e A 𝑣𝑑
Therefore from equation (1), we find ⃗ × 𝐵
𝐹𝐵 = (I 𝐿 ⃗)
⇒ 𝐹𝐵 = B I L Sin𝜃 ⃗ &𝐵
Where 𝜃 is angle b/w 𝐿 ⃗.
⃗ and 𝐵
This force is perpendicular to plane containing 𝐿 ⃗.

Special case:
i) If 𝜃 = 00 or 1800, then 𝐹𝐵 = 0. Thus no force is experienced by current carrying conductor when
⃗.
placed parallel or anti parallel to the direction of 𝐵
ii) If 𝜃 = 900, then 𝐹𝐵 = B I L. Thus maximum force is experienced by current carrying conductor
⃗.
when placed perpendicular to the direction of 𝐵

Note:
For any arbitrarily shaped wire of uniform cross section is given by:
𝑏
𝐹𝐵 = 𝐼 ∫ 𝑑𝑙⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐵
⃗
𝑎

Cyclotron:
It is a device that can accelerate positively charged particles (like protons, deuterons, α particles etc.) to
very high speeds in order in order to carry out nuclear disintegration. It was devised by E. O. Lawrence and
M. S. Livingstone in 1934.

Principle of Cyclotron:
When a charged particle moves perpendicular to the direction of magnetic field, it experiences a force
due to which it moves along a circular path.

Construction:
It consists of two hollow semicircular metallic containers D1 & D2 called Dees. These Dees are
separated by a small gap where the source of positively charged particles is placed. Dees are connected to a
high frequency alternating potential difference which provides high frequency electric field across the Dees.
This arrangement is kept between strong electromagnet so that magnetic field is perpendicular to the plane of
Dees.

9
Working:
As soon as positively charged particle is ejected, it gets accelerated towards the Dee which is negatively
charged at that time (say D1). As magnetic field is normal to the plane of Dees, the particle undergoes
circular path. After one semi circular path in D1, the particle reaches the gap between dees. At this time, the
polarity of the Dees is reversed so that the particle is now accelerated towards D2 with greater velocity.
For this circular motion, centripetal force is provided by magnetic force.
𝑚 𝑣2 𝑚𝑣
i. e.
𝑟
= qvB ⇒ r=
𝑞𝐵
⇒ r∝ v
Thus increase in velocity increases the radius of circular path. This process continues and hence particle
undergoes spiral path of increasing radius. Once it reaches near the edge, it is taken out with the help of
deflector plate and allowed to hit the target.

Time period: Let T is the time interval needed to make one complete trip around the two dees, then
2𝜋𝑟 2𝜋 𝑚𝑣 2𝜋𝑚
T=
𝑣
⇒T= 𝑣 𝑞𝐵
⇒T= 𝑞𝐵
Thus cyclotron’s operation depends on T which is independent of the speed of particle and radius of circular
path.

Also particle is accelerated only when frequency (f ) at which the particle circulates in the magnetic field
must be equal to the constant frequency of the alternating potential difference (electric field).
1 𝑞𝐵
∴ f= = . This is known as cyclotron frequency.
𝑇 2𝜋𝑚

Kinetic energy Gained:

The kinetic energy gained by the positively charged particle is given by:
1 𝑞𝐵𝑟 2 𝑞 2 𝐵2 𝑟 2 𝑞 2 𝐵2 2
E= 2
𝑚 ( 𝑚
) ⇒ E = 2𝑚
& hence Emax = ( 2𝑚
) 𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑥
So, maximum energy is gained when particle is at the edge of Dees.

Limitation of Cyclotron:
i) Uncharged particles cannot be accelerated.
ii) Electrons cannot be accelerated by using cyclotron.
iii) The speed of particle is limited in Cyclotron.

Magnetic Force between two parallel current carrying conductors:

Consider two long, straight parallel wires separated by a distance of ‘a’ units carrying currents I1 & I2
in the same direction as shown in figure.
Suppose wire 2 carrying current I2 is source wire and wire 1 carrying current I1 is test wire. The
magnitude of magnitude field is the same at all points on wire 1 and is perpendicular to wire 1.
Thus magnetic force on length l of wire 1 is given by:
𝐹1 = I1 𝑙 × 𝐵⃗2
⃗2
⇒ F1 = B2 I1 l → because 𝑙 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝐵
𝝁 𝑰
𝟎 𝟐 𝝁𝟎 𝑰𝟐
⇒ F1 = I1 l ( 𝟐𝝅 𝒂
) → because B2 =
𝟐𝝅 𝒂

10
 𝝁𝟎 𝑰𝟏 𝑰𝟐
⇒ F1 = 𝟐𝝅 𝒂
𝑙

The direction of 𝐹1 is towards wire 2 because 𝑙 × 𝐵 ⃗ 2 is in that direction.

Similarly when wire 1 carrying current I1 acts as source wire and wire 2 carrying current I2 acts as test
wire. The force ⃗F2 acting on wire 2 due to wire 1 is found to be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction
to ⃗F1 , which we expect because Newton’s 3rd Law must be obeyed. Thus wire 1 and wire 2 attract each other.
However when currents are in opposite direction, the forces are reversed and the wires repel each other.

Definition of Ampere:
Because the magnitudes of the forces are the same on both wires, we can denote the magnitude of forces
between wires by simply by FB.
𝝁𝟎 𝑰𝟏 𝑰𝟐 𝐹𝐵 𝝁𝟎 𝑰𝟏 𝑰𝟐
i.e. FB = 𝑙 or =
𝟐𝝅 𝒂 𝑙 𝟐𝝅 𝒂

𝐵 𝐹 𝝁 𝐹 𝟒 𝝅 ×𝟏𝟎−𝟕
if I1 = I2 = 1 ampere, a = 1 meter, then = 𝟎 or 𝐵 = = 2 × 10−7 N/m
𝑙 𝟐𝝅 𝑙 𝟐𝝅
Therefore, ampere is defined as that constant current when it is passed through each of the two
long straight conductors kept at a distance of 1 meter apart in vacuum causes each conductor to experience
a force of 2 × 10-7 Newton per unit length of the conductor.

Torque

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