Senior High School

Senior High School

Senior High School

General Physics 2
Quarter 3 – Supplementary Materials
Magnetic Field and Forces

Engr. Jeoffna Ruth C. Dasigo

Physics Teacher
General Physics 2
Supplementary Material – Magnetic Field and Forces

What I Need to Know

Learning Competencies:
1. Differentiate electric interactions from magnetic interactions STEM_GP12EMIIIh-54
2. Evaluate the total magnetic flux through an open surface STEM_GP12EMIIIh-55
3. Describe the motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field in terms of its speed, acceleration,
cyclotron radius, cyclotron frequency, and kinetic energy STEM_GP12EMIIIh-58
4. Evaluate the magnetic force on an arbitrary wire segment placed in a uniform magnetic field
STEM_GP12EMIIIh-59
5. Evaluate the magnetic field vector at a given point in space due to a moving point charge, an
infinitesimal current element, or a straight current-carrying conductor STEM_GP12EMIIIh-60
6. Calculate the magnetic field due to one or more straight wire conductors using the superposition
principle. STEM_GP12EMIIIi-62
7. Calculate the force per unit length on a current carrying wire due to the magnetic field produced by
other current-carrying wires. STEM_GP12EMIIIi-63
8. Evaluate the magnetic field vector at any point along the axis of a circular current loop
STEM_GP12EMIIIi-64
9. Solve problems involving magnetic fields, forces due to magnetic fields and the motion of charges
and current-carrying wires in contexts such as, but not limited to, determining the strength of Earth’s
magnetic field, mass spectrometers, and solenoids. STEM_GP12EMIIIi-66

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Differentiate electric interactions from magnetic interactions.
2. Evaluate the total magnetic flux through an open surface.
3. Describe the motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field in terms of its speed, acceleration,
cyclotron radius, cyclotron frequency, and kinetic energy.
4. Evaluate the magnetic force on an arbitrary wire segment placed in a uniform magnetic field.
5. Evaluate the magnetic field vector at a given point in space due to a moving point charge, an
infinitesimal current element, or a straight current-carrying conductor.
6. Calculate the magnetic field due to one or more straight wire conductors using the superposition
principle.
7. Calculate the force per unit length on a current carrying wire due to the magnetic field produced by
other current-carrying wires.
8. Evaluate the magnetic field vector at any point along the axis of a circular current loop.
9. Solve problems involving magnetic fields, forces due to magnetic fields and the motion of charges
and current-carrying wires in contexts such as, but not limited to, determining the strength of Earth’s
magnetic field, mass spectrometers, and solenoids.

Lesson 1: Magnetic Field

What Is It?
Magnetic field is an invisible space around a magnetic object. A magnetic field is basically used to
describe the distribution of magnetic force around a magnetic object.
Magnetic fields are created or produced when the electric charge/current moves within the vicinity
of the magnet. Here, the sub-atomic particle such as electrons with a negative charge moves around creating
a magnetic field. These fields can originate inside the atoms of magnetic objects or within electrical
conductors or wires.

Magnetic Field Lines

The use of field lines is an alternative way to represent the information contained within a magnetic
vector field. Magnetic field lines are imaginary lines.
General Physics 2 – Quarter 3 59
 Magnetic field lines are a visual tool used to represent magnetic fields. They describe the direction
of the magnetic force on a north monopole at any given position
The density of the lines indicates the magnitude of the field. Taking an instance, the magnetic field
is stronger and crowded near the poles of a magnet. As we move away from the poles it is weak and the
lines become less dense.

Figure 7-1 Magnetic field lines plot for a bar magnet.

Properties of Magnetic Field Lines

• Magnetic field lines never cross each other
• The density of the field lines indicates the strength of the field
• Magnetic field lines always make closed loops
• Magnetic field lines always emerge or start from the north pole and terminate at the south pole.

Magnetic Flux (∅)

The entire group of magnetic field lines, which can be considered flowing outward from the north
pole of a magnet, is called magnetic flux. Its symbol is the Greek letter ∅ (phi). A strong magnetic field has
more lines of force and more flux than a weak magnetic field.
Magnetic flux is defined as the number of magnetic field lines passing through a given closed
surface. It provides the measurement of the total magnetic field that passes through a given surface area.
Here, the area under consideration can be of any size and under any orientation with respect to the direction
of the magnetic field.
Magnetic flux formula is given by:
80

where:
ΦB is the magnetic flux.
B is the magnetic field
A is the area
θ the angle at which the field lines pass through the given surface area

Magnetic Flux Unit

Magnetic flux is usually measured with a flux meter. The SI and CGS unit of magnetic flux is
given below:
• SI unit of magnetic flux is Weber (Wb).
• The fundamental unit is Volt-seconds.
• The CGS unit is Maxwell.

The Maxwell
One maxwell (Mx) unit equals one magnetic fi eld line. In Fig. 6-2, as an example, the flux
illustrated is 6 Mx because there are six fi eld lines flowing in or out for each pole. A 1-lb magnet can

General Physics 2 – Quarter 3 60

provide a magnetic flux ∅ of about 5000 Mx. This unit is named after James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879),
an important Scottish mathematical physicist, who contributed much to electrical and field theory.

The Weber
This is a larger unit of magnetic flux. One weber (Wb) equals 1 x 108 lines or maxwells. Since the
weber is a large unit for typical fi elds, the microweber unit can be used. Then 1 𝜇Wb = 10 -6 Wb. This unit
is named after Wilhelm Weber (1804–1890), a German physicist.
To convert microwebers to lines or maxwells, multiply by the conversion factor 108 lines per weber,
as follows:

Note that the conversion is arranged to make the weber units cancel, since we want maxwell units in the
answer. Even the microweber unit is larger than the maxwell unit. For the same 1-lb magnet, a magnetic
flux of 5000 Mx corresponds to 50 𝜇Wb. The calculations for this conversion of units are

Figure 7-2 Total flux ∅ is six lines or 6 Mx. Flux density B at point P is two lines per square centimeter or
2 G.

1
Note that the maxwell units cancel. Also, the becomes inverted from the denominator to 𝜇Wb in the
𝜇𝑊𝑏
numerator.

General Physics 2 – Quarter 3 61

Conversion between Units
Converting from maxwells (Mx) to webers (Wb) or vice versa, is easier if you use the following
conversion formulas:

Example:
1. Make the following conversions: (a) 25,000 Mx to Wb; (b) 0.005 Wb to Mx.

2. A circular antenna of area 3 m2 is installed at a place in Madurai. The plane of the area of antenna
is inclined at 47º with the direction of Earth’s magnetic field. If the magnitude of Earth’s field at
that place is 40773.9 nT find the magnetic flux linked with the antenna.
Given:
B = 40773.9 nT; θ = 90º – 47º = 43°;
A = 3m2
We know that ΦB = BAcosθ
ΦB = (40773.9 nT) x (10-9) x cos(43°)
ΦB = 89.47 𝜇𝑊𝑏

3. A circular loop of area 5 x 10-2 m2 rotates in a uniform magnetic field of 0.2 T. If the loop rotates
about its diameter which is perpendicular to the magnetic field as shown in figure. Find the magnetic
flux linked with the loop when its plane is (i) normal to the field (ii) inclined 60o to the field and
(iii) parallel to the field.

(i) 𝜃 = 0°
∅𝐵 = 𝐵𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃) = 0.2𝑇 𝑥 5𝑥10−2 𝑚2 𝑥 cos(0°)
∅𝐵 = 1 𝑥10−2 𝑊𝑏

(ii) 𝜃 = 90° − 60° = 30°

∅𝐵 = 𝐵𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃) = 0.2 𝑇 𝑥 5𝑥10−2 𝑚2 𝑥 cos(30°)
∅𝐵 = 8.66 𝑥 10−3 𝑊𝑏

(iii) 𝜃 = 90°
∅𝐵 = 𝐵𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠(90°) = 0

What I Have Learned

Activity 7.1.1 Solve the given problems.

1. A permanent magnet has a magnetic flux of 12,000 𝜇Wb. How many magnetic field lines does this
correspond to?
2. An electromagnet produces a magnetic flux of 900 𝜇Wb. How many magnetic fi eld lines does this
correspond to?
3. A permanent magnet has a magnetic flux of 50,000 Mx. How many Webers (Wb) of magnetic flux
does this correspond to?
4. A flux of 25 𝜇Wb exists in an area of 0.25 in 2. What is the flux density B in (a) gauss units; (b)
Teslas?

General Physics 2 – Quarter 3 62

 Lesson 2: Magnetic Force on Moving Charges
What Is It?
How does one magnet attract another? The answer relies on the fact that all magnetism relies on
current, the flow of charge. Magnetic fields exert forces on moving charges, and so they exert forces on
other magnets, all of which have moving charges.

Magnetic Forces on a Moving Charges

Four key characteristics of the magnetic force on a moving charge
1. Its magnitude is proportional to the magnitude of the charge.
2. The magnitude of the force is proportional to the magnitude, or “strength”, of the field; if we double
the magnitude of the field (for example, by using two identical bar magnets instead of one) without
changing the charge or its velocity, the force doubles.
3. It depends on the particle’s velocity. A charged particle at rest experiences no magnetic force.
4. It is found by experiment that magnetic force does not have the same direction as the magnetic field
⃑ but instead is always perpendicular to both 𝐵
𝐵 ⃑ and the velocity 𝑣 .

Magnetic Force: ⃑
𝐹 = 𝑞𝑣 𝐵

Magnitude of Magnetic Force: 𝐹 = 𝑞𝑣𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜃)

where θ is the angle between the directions of v and B.

This formula is used to define the magnetic strength B in terms of the force on a charged particle moving
in a magnetic field. The SI unit for magnitude of the magnetic field strength is called the tesla (T) in honor
of the brilliant and eccentric inventor Nikola Tesla (1856–1943), who made great contributions to our
understanding of magnetic fields and their practical applications. To determine how the tesla relates to other
SI units, we solve F=qvBsin(θ) for B:
𝐹
𝐵=
𝑞𝑣𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜃)
Because sinθ is unitless, the tesla is
1𝑁 1𝑁
1𝑇= =
𝐶 ∙ 𝑚/𝑠 𝐴 ∙ 𝑚
Another smaller unit, called the gauss (G), where:
1 G=10−4 T
is sometimes used. The strongest permanent magnets have fields near 2 T; superconducting electromagnets
may attain 10 T or more. The Earth’s magnetic field on its surface is only about 5×10 −5 T, or 0.5 G.
When a charged particle moves through a region of space where both electric and magnetic fields
⃑⃑⃑⃑𝐸 and ⃑⃑⃑⃑
are present, both fields exert forces on the particle. The total force 𝐹 is the vector sum of 𝐹 𝐹𝐵 .
𝐹 = 𝑞(𝐸⃑ + 𝑣 𝐵
⃑)
Direction of the Magnetic Force: The Right-Hand Rule
The right-hand rule is used to determine the direction of the
magnetic force on a positive charge.

Figure 7-3 Right-hand Rule: Magnetic fields exert forces on moving

charges. This force is one of the most basic known. The direction of the
magnetic force on a moving charge is perpendicular to the plane formed
by v and B and follows right hand rule–1 (RHR-1) as shown. The
magnitude of the force is proportional to q, v, B, and the sine of the angle
between v and B.

General Physics 2 – Quarter 3 63

Example:
1. A beam of proton (q = 1.6 x 10-19 C) moves at 3.0 x 105 m/s through a uniform magnetic field with
magnitude 2.0 T that is directed along the positive z-axis. The velocity of each proton lies in the
xz-plane at an angle of 300 to the +z-axis. Find the force on a proton.
Answer:
This problem uses the expression for the magnetic force on a moving charged particle. The charge
is positive, so the force is in the same direction as the vector product 𝑣 𝑥𝐵⃑ . From the right-hand rule, this
direction is along the negative y-axis or -𝑗̂. The magnitude of the force is
F = (1.6 x 10-19 C)(3.0 x 105 m/s)(2.0 T)(sin 300) = 4.8 x 10-14 N
Incorporating the direction, the magnetic force is 𝐹 = 4.8 x 10-14 N, -𝑗̂.
We can check our result by evaluating the force using the vector language. We have

If the beam consists of electrons rather than protons, the charge is negative (q = - 1.6 x 10-19 C) and the
direction of the force is reversed. The force is now directed along the positive y-axis, but the magnitude is
the same.

Motion of Charged Particles in Magnetic Field

When a charged particle moves in a magnetic field, it is acted on by the magnetic force and the
motion is determined by Newton’s Laws. In a uniform
magnetic field, a charged particle whose velocity is
perpendicular to the field direction will follow a circular
path.
In Figure 7-4. Circular Motion of Charged Particle in
Magnetic Field: A negatively charged particle moves in
the plane of the page in a region where the magnetic field
is perpendicular into the page (represented by the small
circles with x’s—like the tails of arrows). The magnetic
force is perpendicular to the velocity, and so velocity
changes in direction but not magnitude. Uniform circular
motion results.

Motion of a charged particle under the action of a magnetic field alone is always motion with constant
speed.

This principle tells us that the magnitudes of both 𝐹 and v are constant. At points such as P and S
in the figure the directions of force and velocity have changed but their magnitudes are the same. The
particle therefore moves under the influence of a constant-magnitude force that is always at right angles to
the velocity of the particle. The particle’s path is a circle, traced out with constant speed. The centripetal
acceleration is v2/R and the only force acting is the magnetic
84 force, so from Newton’s Second Law
2
𝑚𝑣
𝐹 = 𝑞𝑣𝐵 =
𝑅
The radius of a circular orbit in a magnetic field is
𝑚𝑣
𝑅=
|𝑞|𝐵

2𝜋𝑅 𝑚𝑣 2
Recalling 𝜏 = where 𝑣 = 𝑟ω and manipulating this with 𝐹 = 𝑞𝑣𝐵 = , we have the
𝑣 𝑅
cyclotron period as
2𝜋𝑚
𝜏=
|𝑞 |𝐵

General Physics 2 – Quarter 3 64

The cyclotron angular speed is given by
|𝑞|𝐵
ω=
𝑚
and the cyclotron frequency is
ω
𝑓=
2𝜋

Example:
1. Suppose a cyclotron is operated at an oscillator frequency of 12 MHz and has a radius of 53 cm. (a)
What is the magnitude of the magnetic field needed for deuterons to be accelerated in the cyclotron?
The deuteron’s mass is 3.34 x 10-27kg. (b) What is the resulting kinetic energy of the deuterons?
Answer:
A deuteron is a stable particle composed of one proton and one neutron.

|𝑞|𝐵 ω
(a) From ω = and 𝑓 = we have,
𝑚 2𝜋

𝑚𝑣
(b) From 𝑅 = the linear speed is
|𝑞|𝐵

Thus, the resulting kinetic energy of the deuterons is

What I Have Learned

Activity 7.2.1 Solve the following problems.

1. Suppose a cyclotron is operated at an oscillator frequency of 13 MHz and has a radius of 64 cm. (a)
What is the magnitude of the magnetic field needed for deuterons to be accelerated in the cyclotron?
The deuteron’s mass is 3.34 x 10-27kg. (b) What is the resulting kinetic energy of the deuterons?

Lesson 3: Magnetic Force on Current-Carrying Conductors

What Is It?
Moving charges experience a force in a magnetic field. If these moving charges are in a wire—that
is, if the wire is carrying a current—the wire should also experience a force. However, before we discuss
the force exerted on a current by a magnetic field, we first examine the magnetic field generated by an
electric current. We are studying two separate effects here that interact closely: A current-carrying wire
generates a magnetic field and the magnetic field exerts a force on the current-carrying wire.

Because charges ordinarily cannot escape a conductor, the magnetic force on charges moving in a conductor
is transmitted to the conductor itself.

General Physics 2 – Quarter 3 65

Figure 7-5. The magnetic field exerts a force on a current-carrying wire in a direction given by the right-
hand rule 1 (the same direction as that on the individual moving charges). This force can easily be large
enough to move the wire, since typical currents consist of very large numbers of moving charges.

To derive an expression for the total force on all the moving charges in a length l of conductor with cross-
sectional area A, we have the following working relations:

Total number of charges: 𝑛𝐴𝑙

where: is n the number of charges per unit volume
l is the length of the conductor
A is the area of the conductor

The total force 𝐹 on all the moving charges in this segment has magnitude
𝐹 = (𝑛𝐴𝑙)(𝑞𝑣𝑑𝐵) = (𝑛𝑞𝑣𝑑𝐴)(𝑙𝐵)
Using the equations for current density, 𝐽 = 𝑛𝑞𝑣𝑑 and current, we now have
𝐹 = (𝐽𝐴)𝑙𝐵 = 𝐼𝑙𝐵
If the is not perpendicular to the wire but makes an angle 𝜃 with it, then
𝐹 = 𝐼𝑙𝐵⊥ = 𝐼𝑙𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜑

The force is always perpendicular to both the conductor and the field, with the direction determined
by the same right-hand rule we used for a moving positive charge. Hence this force can be expressed as a
vector product. We represent the segment of wire with a vector 𝑙 along the wire in the direction of the
current; then the force 𝐹 on this segment is
𝐹 = 𝐼𝑙 ×𝐵⃑
If the conductor is not straight, we can divide it into infinitesimal segments. The magnetic force on an
infinitesimal wire section is expressed as
𝑑𝐹 = 𝐼𝑑𝑙 ×𝐵 ⃑
Then we can integrate this expression along the wire to find the total force on a conductor of any shape.

Example:
1. Calculate the force on the wire shown in Figure 7-5, given B=1.50T, l=5.00cm, and I=20.0A.
Answer:
The force can be found with the given information by using 𝐹 = 𝐼𝑙𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜃) and noting that the
angle θ between I and B is 90°, so that sin(𝜃) = 1.

Substituting the given values into 𝐹 = 𝐼𝑙𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜃) yields

𝐹 = 𝐼𝑙𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜃) = (20.0 𝐴)(0.0500𝑚)(1.50𝑇)(1)

General Physics 2 – Quarter 3 66

 𝑁
The units for tesla are 1 𝑇 = ; thus,
𝐴∙𝑚
𝐹 = 1.50 𝑁
This large magnetic field creates a significant force on a small length of wire.

What I Have Learned

Activity 7.3.1 Solve the following problems.

1. A straight, vertical wire carries a current of 1.20 A downward in a region between the poles of a
large superconducting electromagnet, where the magnetic field has magnitude 0.588 T and is
horizontal. What are the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force on a 1.00-cm section of the
wire that is in this uniform magnetic field, if the magnetic field direction is (a) east; (b) south; (c)
30oS of W?
2. Calculate the force on the wire shown in Figure 7-5, given B=2.50T, l=6.00cm, and I=20.0A.

What I Can Do
Activity 7.3.2 Answer the given questions, show your solution or illustration if possible.

1. Why are magnetic flux lines important?

2. What causes the Earth’s magnetic field?
3. What are electromagnetic waves?
4. Define magnetic flux density.
5. Define magnetic field intensity.
6. Are there magnetic fields in space?
7. How does a Magnetic Field Originate?

References:
Magnetic Field | byjus.com/jee/magnetic-field-and-magnetic-force/
Grob’s Basic Electronics | Mitchel E. Schultz
Lumen Learning courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-physics
Sears and Zemansky’s University Physics with Modern Physics Technology Update by Hugh D.
Young and Roger A. Freedman, 12th edition, pp. 916 – 956
Physics LibreText phys.libretexts.org
College Physics:Openstax pressbooks.bccampus.ca
Brittanica www.britannica.com/science/magnetism

General Physics 2 – Quarter 3 67