Module 6: C23 - Magnetic Fields Flashcards
What is a Magnetic Field
Magnetic field is the region around a permanent magnet or a current carrying conductor in which other magnetic objects will experience a force.
How are Magnetic Field lines drawn
Magnetic field lines are drawn in the direction a ‘free’ north pole would move.
How can you show an uniform magnetic field?
Equally spaced and parallel magnetic field lines represent a uniform field, that is, the strength of the magnetic field does not vary.
How can you show a magnetic field is stronger at a certain point
The magnetic field is stronger when the magnetic field lines are closer. For a bar magnet, the field is strongest at its north (N) and south (S) poles.
How is a magnetic field produced?
When a charged particle move, it creates a magnetic field. Therefore, when a current pass through a wire a magnetic field is produced.
How do you explain a magnetic field of a bar magnet?
In fact, it is created by the electrons whizzing around the iron nuclei. You can visualise the iron atoms as tiny magnets, all aligned in the same direction.
How can you find the direction the magnetic field when you know the direction of the current?
Use the right hand grip rule
- Thumb points along direction of current
- Other fingers give the direction of the field
How do you find the direction of a magnetic field around a current carrying wire?
The direction of a magnetic field around a current carrying wire can be calculated using the right hand grip rule. Imagine your thumb represents the direction of the current, your fingers will give the direction of the field lines.
State 2 methods of producing a uniform magnetic field
• Putting the North and South Pole of 2 bar magnets next to each other
• Inside a solenoid
Suggest how the magnetic field pattern for a solenoid within its core would change when the current is both reversed and increased
The field direction would be reversed and there would be more and closer magnetic field lines.
What is Fleming’s Left Hand Rule used for?
Fleming’s left hand rule is used to determine the direction of the force on a current carrying conductor in an external magnetic field.
What happens if the magnetic field and current are parallel?
If the magnetic field and the current are
parallel to each other then no force will be experienced.
What does your first finger, second finger, and thumb show with Fleming’s left hand rule
- First finger gives the direction of the external magnetic field
- Second finger gives the direction of the conventional current
- Thumb gives the direction of motion (force) of the wire
Example Questions:
- How will the force change if the field strength is increased?
- How will the force change if the current is increased?
- How will the force change if the length of the wire is increased?
Force will increase for in all of these scenarios.
What does the size of the force on a current carrying wire depend on?
● the strength of the magnetic field B (Magnetic flux density)
● the current in the wire I
● the length of the wire in the field L
Equation for Force in a current carrying wire (using Magnetic Flux Density)
F = BILsinθ
What is the SI unit for the Magnetic Flux Density
The SI unit for the Magnetic flux density (B) is tesla.
Definition of a Tesla
One tesla, 1 T, is the magnetic flux density when a wire of length one metre and carrying a current of one ampere at a right angle to the field experiences a force of one newton.
Write the unit of Magnetic flux density, B (T) based on SI base unit
B = F / IL
T = N / Am
T = kgms^-2 / Am
T = kgms^-2A^-1m^-1
T = kgs^-2A^-1
Worked Example:
A straight piece of wire of length 3m carrying a current of 2A experiences a force of 12N when placed perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field. Calculate the value of the magnetic flux density.
l = 3
I = 2A
F = 12N
θ = 90°
F = BIL
12 = 3 x 2 x B
12 = 6B
2 = B
B = 2T
Is Magnetic Flux Density a Scalar or Vector quantity
Magnetic Flux Density is a Vector Quantity
Example Question:
A 2.8XZ length of copper wire carrying a current of 0.80A is placed in a uniform magnetic field. The angle between the wire and the magnetic field is 38°. It experiences a force of 4.0mN. Calculate the magnetic flux density of the field.
F = BILsinθ
4.0x10^-3 = B x 0.80 x 0.028 x sin38
B = 4.0x10^-3 / 0.80 x 0.028 x sin38
How could you find the Magnetic flux density in laboratory
Firstly you will need the apparatus for determining the magnetic flux density between two magnets. The magnets are placed on a top-pan balance. The magnetic field between them is almost uniform. A stiff copper wire is held perpendicular to the magnetic field is measure with a ruler. Use crocodile clips, a section of the wire is connected in series with an ammeter and a variable powder supply. The balance is zeroed when there is no current in the wire. With a current I, the wire experiences a vertical upward force (predicting Fleming’s left hand rule).
According to Newton’s 3rd law of motion, the magnets experience an equal downforce, F, which can be calculated from the change in the mass reading, m, using F = mg, where g is the acceleration of free fall. The magnetic flux density B between the magnets can then be determined from the equation B = F/IL
A 2.8cm length of copper wire carrying a current of 0.80A is placed in a uniform magnetic field. The angle between the wire and the magnetic field is 38°. It experiences a force of 4.0mN.
Calculate the magnetic flux density of the field.
F = BILsinθ
4x10^-3 = B x 0.80 x 0.028 x sin38
B = 4x10^-3 / 0.80 x 0.028 x sin 38
B = 0.29T
What causes the Northern Lights?
This happens when energetic charged particles from the Sun spiral down the Earth’s magnetic field towards a polar region and collide with atoms on the atmosphere, causing them to emit light. In this topic, you will learn how you can model the motion of charged particles in uniform magnetic fields.
Equation for Force on electric charge in a magnetic field (involving velocity)
F = Bqv sinØ