Fields (4): Magnetic Fields Flashcards
What is an application of magnetic fields?
Particle accelerators
State the definition of a magnetic field
A force field surrounding a magnet or current carrying wire which acts on any other magnet or current-carrying wire placed in the field
Where is the magnetic field on a bar magnet strongest?
At its poles
What are the two ends of a bar magnet referred to as?
North seeking and south seeking ‘poles’ - these correspond to the direction each end of the bar magnet points when the magnet is free to aline itself with the horizontal component of earths magnetic field
ie. north pole of magnet will point towards south pole and vice versa
What do magnetic field lines show?
The line of force of a magnetic field - line along which a north pole would move in a magnetic field
In what direction are magnetic field lines drawn?
North to south
What happens when a current carrying wire is placed in a magnetic field?
If a current-carrying wire is placed at a non-zero angle to the lines of force (magnetic field lines) of an external magnetic field, it will experience a force due to the field. This is because the magnetic field around the current-carrying wire and the external magnetic field interact producing a force that acts perpendicular to the wire and lines of force.
What is the name of the effect when a current-carrying wire experiences a force when placed in an external magnetic field?
The motor effect
Factors affecting the strength of the force on a current-carrying wire
- Current through the wire
- Strength of the magnetic field
- Length of the wire
- Angle between the lines of force of the field and the current direction
When is the force experienced by a current-carrying wire in an external magnetic field = 0N?
When the wire is parallel to the magnetic field
When is the force experienced by a current-carrying wire in an external magnetic field greatest?
When the wire is at right angles to the magnetic field
How can you determine the direction of the force experienced due to the motor effect?
Using Flemings left hand rule
What does each finger represent in flemings left hand rule?
Thumb = Force
First finger = Field
Second finger = Conventional current
What do you have to look out for when using Flemings left hand rule?
Whether you are dealing with current, movement of positive particles or movement of negative particles
NB - If you are dealing with negative particles, conventional current is in the opposite direction to their movement
Describe the set up that can be used to investigate the force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field
- Two magnets with opposite magnetic poles are placed in a metal cradle which is placed onto a top pan balance
- A wire is suspended perpendicular to the lines of force between the two magnets - held up by two clamps
- Connect the wire in series to a variable power supply (used to vary current), and ammeter (used to measure current)
What is the dependent and independent variable for the practical: Investigating magnetic fields in wires?
Dependent: Mass, m
Independent: Current, I
Describe briefly, the method for the practical: Investigating magnetic fields in wires
- Set up apparatus as shown
- Adjust the voltage of the supply so that the ammeter reads 0.5A
- Read and record the mass stated on the top pan balance
- Increase the voltage of the power supply so that the ammeter reading increases by 0.5A and record the mass again.
- Repeat step 4 until you have reached 5A
- Repeat the experiment through twice more and find the mean mass for each current
- Measure, using a ruler, the length of the magnets which will roughly be equal to the length of wire experiencing a force
Describe briefly, the graphs and calculations needed for the practical: Investigating magnetic fields in wires
- Calculate force, F, for each current by doing mass x 9.81
- F = BIL, so plot a graph of F against I
- Your gradient = BL, therefore calculate gradient/L to get your value of B. magnetic flux density
Describe briefly, the safety risks in the practical: Investigating magnetic fields in wires
- High currents will be flowing through the wire so do not touch it as it could cause burns -> to reduce this risk turn the power supply off between consecutive readings
- Make sure no wires or connections are damaged or contain the appropriate fuses to avoid a short circuit and a fire
Describe briefly, the ways you can improve accuracy in the practical: Investigating magnetic fields in wires
RANDOM ERROR
- Ensure that no high currents run through the wire, otherwise the wires resistance will increase and affect the experiment
SYSTEMATIC ERROR
- Ensure that the top pan balance is zeroed to avoid a zero error