Magnetic Force on a Wire

Question 1

Equipment

Answer 1

○ Wire to suspend

○ Two stands with clamps

○ Two identical magnets

○ Weighing scales

○ Ammeter

○ Variable power supply ○ Ruler

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

○ Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagrams. ○ With no current flowing, tare the balance.

○ Adjust the voltage of the supply so that the current I as measured by the ammeter is 0.50A. Read and record the mass m displayed on the balance.

○ Increase the voltage such that the current increases by 0.50A and repeat this, increasing the current by 0.50A each time up to 6.00A.

○ Repeat the experiment twice more and find and record the mean m for each I.

○ Measure and record the length L of the magnets (i.e. the length of the wire in the magnetic field).

Question 3

Graphs and calculations

Answer 3

○ Calculate the force F by converting each m into kilograms and multiplying by 9.81 and then tabulate this.

○ Plot a graph of F against I and draw a line of best fit. The magnetic field strength B will be the gradient divided by L.

○ F= BIL ⇒ B = F/IL = G/L where G is the gradient.

Question 4

Safety

Answer 4

○ High currents will flow so do not touch the wire because it will get warm and could cause burns.

Question 5

Improvements and notes:

Answer 5

○ A variable resistor can be added in series with the wire to make it easier to get the desired currents.

○ Scales with a very high resolution should be used because the forces are generally very small.

Question 6

Diagram

Answer 6