Question: Define magnetic force and uniform magnetic field. Derive the expression for the force acting on a current-carrying conductor in a uniform magnetic field. Define B and its unit tesla.
MAGNETIC FORCE
The force exerted by the magnet on another magnet. or magnetic material is called magnetic force. It is denoted by F
UNIFORM MAGNETIC FIELD
When magnetic Lines of force are parallel and uniformly spaced. Such a field is called a uniform magnetic field.
EXPRESSION FOR FORCE ON THE CONDUCTOR
When a current-carrying conductor is placed in an external magnetic field, the magnetic field of the conductor interacts with the external field and the conductor experiences a force. Consider a copper rod of length ‘L’ when current ‘I’ is passed through it from the battery, the rod moves on the copper rails. The magnetic field B is vertically upward. The magnetic force on the conductor is perpendicular to the conductor and magnetic field B. All are shown in the figure.
The magnitude of the force depends upon the following factors.
(i) F ∝ Sin ∝ → 1
The force F is directly proportional to Sin ∝ where ∝ a is the angle between the conductor and field.
This shows the force is zero when the rod is parallel to the field and is maximum when the conductor is placed perpendicular to the field.
(ii) F ∝ I → 2
The force is directly proportional to the current flowing through the conductor. The more the current greater is the force.
(iii) F ∝ L → 3
The force is directly proportional to the length of the conductor inside the magnetic field.
(iv) F ∝ B → 4
The force is directly proportional to the strength of the applied magnetic field B. The stronger the field, the greater the force, on combining all these factors, we get
F ∝ ILB Sin ∝
⇒ F = KILB Sin ∝
Where K is the constant of proportionality. In SI units its value is 1. Then
F = KILB Sin ∝ → 5
This equ. 5 gives the magnitude of the force on the current-carrying conductor.
In vector form:
F = I ( L ✖️ B ) → 6
Where L = vector length of the conductor in the direction of current flow. The direction of the force F is given by the right-hand rule of the cross-produet of vectors I and B. Rotate I towards through the smaller angle. Curl the fingers of the right hand in the direction of rotation. The thumb points in the direction of the force.
STRENGTH OF MAGNETIC FIELD (B)
From equ. 5:
F = KILB Sin ∝
⇒ B = F / IL Sin ∝
The force acting on per unit length of the conductor placed at the right angle to the magnetic field when one-ampere current passes through it.
Unit:
B = F / IL = 1N / 1A ✖️ 1m
B = 1 N A-1 m-1 = 1 Tesla
TESLA
When a force of one Newton is exerted on one meter length of the conductor placed perpendicular to the field and one-ampere current passes through it.
CONVENTION TO REPRESENT DIRECTION
(i) OUT OF PAGE
The direction of the current flowing out of the page (towards the reader) is represented by a symbol (•).
(ii) IN TO PAGE
The direction of the current flowing into the page, (away from the reader) is represented by a symbol (x).
DIRECTION OF FORCE ON A CONDUCTOR IN THE MAGNETIC FIELD
Consider the lines of magnetic force in the figure. The two fields tends to reinforce each other on the conductor and cancel each other on the right side of it. The conductor tends to move towards the weaker part of the field. The force on the conductor will be directed towards right prependicular to both the conductor and the magnetic field.