Magnetic Field exerts force on a current carrying conductor


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Magnetic Field Exerts Force On A Current Carrying Conductor

Force On A Current Carrying Conductor In A Magnetic Field

We know that a current carrying conductor behaves like a magnet. We also know that two magnets exert a force on each other. Now, if we place such a conductor (behaving as a magnet) in a magnetic field, then it will experience a force exactly the same way as a bar magnet would experience on placing it in the neighborhood of another bar magnet.

Further, it was suggested by Marie Ampere that force exerted by a current- carrying conductor on a bar magnet and force exerted by the bar magnet on current-carrying conductor are equal and opposite (i.e. satisfy Newton’s third law) as both are in the magnetic fields of each other. 

The current-carrying conductor, inside the magnetic field of a horse shoe magnet experiences a force. If we freely hang the wire, then it will be displaced in the presence of external magnetic field (magnetic field due horse—shoe magnet). This displacement gets reversed if we reverse the direction of current. 

Activity: Connect the ends of the conductor AB to the two ends of the battery and switch as shown in the figure. Place a horse shoe magnet as shown. The poles of the horse shoe magnets should be arranged such that the conductor wire can swing freely between the poles. When we turn the switch to the ON state the current starts flowing in the conductor.The conductor starts behaving as a magnet and will move showing that the magnetic field of the horse shoe magnet exerts force on the current carrying conductor. 

On interchanging the poles of the magnet or the direction of the current the direction of the movement of the conductor also changes

Observations: It is observed that

1. A current carrying conductor experiences force in a magnetic field.

2. The direction of force depends on the direction of the magnetic field and is perpendicular to it.

3. The direction of force depends on the direction of current and is perpendicular to it.

Hence, we can conclude that:

“Force on a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field depends upon the direction of magnetic field as well as upon direction of flow of current through the conductor”.  

Sample Questions
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Question : 1

The directionof the force on a current carrying wire placed in a magnetic field depends on

Right Option : C
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Explanation
Question : 2

When a charged particle enters the uniform magnetic field at a right angle to the direction of the field, which of the following changes?

Right Option : D
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Explanation
Question : 3

In a current carrying conductor, the direction of force depends on the direction of  ________________________ and is perpendicular to it.

Right Option : C
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Explanation
 
 


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