PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 19:
Magnetic field

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Sub topics

19.1 Magnetic filed

19.2 Magnetic field produced by current-carrying
conductor
19.3 Force on a moving charged particle in a
uniform magnetic field
19.4 force on a current carrying conductor in a
uniform magnetic field
19.5 Force between two parallel current-carrying
conductors
19.6 Torque on a coil
19.7 Motion of charged particle in magnetic filed
and electric field

PHYSICS
CHAPTER 19
Learning Outcome:
19.1

Magnetic field

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

Define magnetic field.

Identify magnetic field sources.
Sketch the magnetic field lines.

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.1 Magnetic field

is defined as a region around a magnet where a magnetic

force can be experienced.
A stationary electric charge is surrounded by an electric
field only.
When an electric charge moves, it is surrounded by an
electric field and a magnetic field. The motion of the electric
charge produces the magnetic field.
Magnetic field has two poles, called north (N) and south (S).
This magnetic poles are always found in pairs whereas a
single magnetic pole has never been found.
Like poles (N-N or S-S) repel each other.
Opposite poles (N-S) attract each other.

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

22.1.1 Magnetic field lines

Magnetic field lines are used to represent a magnetic field.

By convention, magnetic field lines leave the north pole and
enters the south pole of a magnet.
Magnetic field lines can be represented by straight lines or
curves. The tangent to a curved field line at a point
indicates the direction of the magnetic field at that point as
shown in Figure 6.1.
P

direction of magnetic field

at point P.

Figure 19.1

Magnetic field can be represented by crosses or by dotted

circles as shown in Figures 19.2a and 19.2b.
X

Figure 19.2a : magnetic field lines

enter the page perpendicularly

Figure 19.2b : magnetic field lines

leave the page perpendicularly5

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

A uniform field is represented by parallel lines of force. This

means that the number of lines passing perpendicularly
through unit area at all cross-sections in a magnetic field
are the same as shown in Figure 19.3.

unit cross-sectional area

Figure 19.3
A non-uniform field is represented by non-parallel lines. The
number of magnetic field lines varies at different unit crosssections as shown in Figure 19.4.
6

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

weaker field in A2

A1

A2

stronger field in A1
Figure 19.4

The number of lines per unit cross-sectional area is

proportional to the magnitude of the magnetic field.
Magnetic field lines do not intersect one another.

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.1.2 Magnetic field lines pattern

The pattern of the magnetic field lines can be determined by

using two methods.
compass needles (shown in Figure 19.5)

Figure 19.5: plotting a magnetic field line of a bar

magnetic.
sprinkling iron filings on paper (shown in Figure 19.6).

Figure 19.6: thin iron filing indicate the magnetic field lines.
8

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Figures 19.7 shows the various pattern of magnetic field lines

around the magnets.
a. Bar magnet

Figure 19.7a
b. Horseshoe or U magnet

Figure 19.7b

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

c. Two bar magnets (unlike pole) - attractive

Figure 19.7c
d. Two bar magnets (like poles) - repulsive

Neutral point (point where

Figure 19.7d the resultant magnetic
force is zero).
10

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.1.3 Earths magnetic field

South
magnetic pole

The Earths magnetic field is like that of a giant bar magnet as

illustrated in Figure 19.8 with a pole near each geographic pole
of the Earth.
The magnetic poles are tilted away
from the rotational axis by an angle of
11.5.
Since the north pole of a compass
11.5
needle (Figure 19.8) points toward the
south magnetic pole of the Earth, and
since opposite attract, it follows that
the north geographical pole of the
Earth is actually near the south
pole of the Earths magnetic field.

South
geographical pole

Figure 19.8

North
magnetic pole

Figure 19.8 also shows that the field

lines are essentially horizontal
(parallel to the Earths surface) near
the equator but enter or leave the
Earth vertically near the poles. 11

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.1.4 Magnetization of a Soft Iron

Using the permanent magnet
One permanent magnet
A permanent magnet is bring near to the soft iron and
touching the surface of the soft iron by following the path in
the Figure 19.9.

Figure 19.9

This method is called induced magnetization.

The arrows in the soft iron represent the magnetization
direction with the arrowhead being the north pole and arrow
tail being the south pole. It is also known as domains ( the
tiny magnetized region because of spin magnetic
12
moment of the electron).

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

In an unmagnetized piece of soft iron, these domains are

arranged randomly but it is aligned in one direction when the
soft iron becomes magnetized.
The soft iron becomes a temporary magnet with its south
pole facing the north pole of the permanent magnet and vice
versa as shown in Figure 19.9.
Two permanent magnets
Bring and touch the first magnet to one end of the soft iron
and another end with the second magnet as shown in Figure
19.10.

NN
Figure 19.10

S
13

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Using the electrical circuit

A soft iron is placed inside a solenoid (a long coil of wire
consisting of many loops of wire) that is connected to the power
supply as shown in Figure 19.11.

S
I

I
Current anticlockwise

Switch, S

Current - clockwise

Figure 19.11
When the switch S is closed, the current I flows in the solenoid
and produces magnetic field.
The directions of the fields associated with the solenoid can be
found by viewing the current flows in the solenoid from both
end or applying the right hand grip rule as shown in Figure
14
19.11.

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Other examples:

N S

I
Note:
Thumb north pole
Other fingers
direction of current
in solenoid.

Figure 19.12a

Figure 19.12b

If you drop a permanent magnet on the floor or strike it with a

hammer, you may jar the domains into randomness. The
magnet can thus lose some or all of its magnetism.
Heating a magnet too can cause a loss of magnetism.
The permanent magnet also can be demagnetized by placing it
inside a solenoid that connected to an alternating source.
15

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.1.5 Magnetic flux density, B

is defined as the magnetic flux per unit area across an

area at right angles to the magnetic field.
Mathematically,

B
A

(19.1)

where

: magnetic flux
A : area at right angles to the magnetic field

It also known as magnetic induction (magnetic field intensity

OR strength)
It is a vector quantity and its direction follows the direction of
the magnetic field.
Its unit is tesla (T) OR weber per metre squared (Wb m2).
Unit conversion :

1 T 1 Wb m 2 10 4 gauss(G)

16

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Example 19.1 :
The direction of any magnetic field is taken to be in the direction
that an Earth-calibrated compass points. Explain why this means
that magnetic field lines must leave from the north pole of a
permanent bar magnet and enter its south pole.
Solution :

Near the north pole of a permanent bar magnet, the north

pole of a compass will point away from the bar magnet so
the field lines leave the north pole.
Near the south pole of a permanent bar magnet, the north
pole of a compass will point toward the bar magnet so the
field lines enter the south pole.

17

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Exercise 19.1 :
1.

Sketch the magnetic field lines pattern around the bar

magnets for following cases.
a.

b.

18

PHYSICS
CHAPTER 19
Learning Outcome:
19.2

Magnetic produced by current-carrying

conductor (1 hour)

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

Apply magnetic field formula

for a long straight wire,

0 I
B
2r

for a circular coil,

0 I
B
2R

for a solenoid.

B 0 nI

19

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.2 Magnetic field produced by current

carrying conductor

When a current flows in a conductor wire or coil, the

magnetic field will be produced.
The direction of magnetic field around the wire or coil can be
determined by using the right
in Figure 19.13.

hand grip rule as shown

Note:
Thumb direction of current
Other fingers direction of magnetic
field (clockwise OR
anticlockwise)
Figure 19.13

20

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.2.1 Magnetic field of a long straight conductor

(wire) carrying current

The magnetic field lines pattern around a straight conductor

carrying current is shown in Figures 19.14 and 19.15.

OR

B
I
Figure 19.14

B
Current out of the page
21

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

B
I
Figure 19.15

OR

XI

B
X Current into the page

Consider a straight conductor (wire) carrying a current I is

placed in vacuum as shown in Figure 19.16.

22

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

r
Figure 19.16

into the page (paper)

The magnitude of magnetic flux density (magnetic field

intensity), B at point P at distance r from the wire carrying
current is given by

0 I
B
2r

where

(19.2)

0 : permeabili ty of free space 4 10 7 T m A 1

r : distance of a point from a straight conductor (wire)
23

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.2.2 Magnetic field of a circular coil

The magnetic field lines pattern around a circular coil carrying

current is shown in Figures 19.17.

I
OR

S
I
Figure 19.17

N
X

I
24

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Consider a circular shaped conductor with radius R that carries

a current I as shown in Figure 19.18.

0 NI
B
2R

R
O
where

Figure 19.18

The magnitude of magnetic field

intensity B at point O (centre of
the circular coil or loop) , is
given by

(6.3)

0 : permeabili ty of free space

R : radius of the circular coil
N : number of coils (loops)
I : current
25

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.2.3 Magnetic field of a solenoid

A solenoid is an electrical device in which a long wire has

been wound into a succession of closely spaced loops with
geometry of a helix.
The magnetic field lines pattern around a solenoid carrying
current is shown in Figure 19.19.

S
I

I
Figure 19.19

26

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19
OR

S
I

27

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

The magnitude of magnetic field intensity at the centre

(mid-point/ inside) of N turn solenoid is given by

0 NI
B
l

B 0 nI

(19.4)

N
and
n
l

The magnitude of magnetic field intensity at the end of N

turn solenoid is given by

1
B 0 nI
2
where n : number of

(19.5)

turns per unit length

28

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Example 19.2 :
Two long straight wires are placed parallel to each other and
carrying the same current I. Sketch the magnetic field lines pattern
around both wires
a. when the currents are in the same direction.
b. when the currents are in opposite direction.
Solution :
a.

I
29

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution :
a.

OR

30

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution :
b.

I
OR

XI

31

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CHAPTER 19

Example 19.3 :
A long wire (X) carrying a current of 50 A is placed parallel to and
5.0 cm away from a similar wire (Y) carrying a current of 10 A.
a. Determine the magnitude and direction of the magnetic flux
density at a point midway between the wires :
i. when the current are in the same direction.
ii. when they are in opposite direction.
b. When the currents are in the same direction there is a point
somewhere between X and Y at which the magnetic flux density
is zero. How far from X is this point ?
(Given 0 = 4 107 H m1)

32

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CHAPTER 19

Solution :
a. i.

I X 50 A; d 5.0 10 2 m; I Y 10 A

d
BX
B
X

rX

BY

A r
Y

IX

OR

IY

IX

rX

rY

BY

IY

d
rX rY 2.5 10 2 m
2

By using the equation of magnetic field at any point near the

straight wire, then at point A
Magnitude of BX :

0 I X
BX
2rX

4 10 50

2 2.5 10
7

BX

BX 4.0 10 4 T

Direction : into the page OR upwards

33

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution :

I X 50 A; d 5.0 10 2 m; I Y 10 A

a. i. Magnitude of BY :

0 I Y
BY
2rY

4 10 10

2 2.5 10
7

BY

BY 8.0 10 5 T

Direction : out of page OR downwards

Therefore
the
totalmagnetic flux density at point A is

BA BX BY
BA BX BY

Note:
Sign convention of B:

BA 4.0 10 4 8.0 10 5

Out of the page positive (+)

Into the page negative ()
34

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution :
a. ii.

I X 50 A; d 5.0 10 2 m; I Y 10 A

d
BX
B

rX

X
BY
A r

OR

IX

IX

BY
A
rY
rX

IY

IY

By using the equation of magnetic field at any point near the

straight wire, then at point A
Magnitude of BX :

BX

4 10 50

2 2.5 10
7

BX 4.0 10 4 T
Direction : into the page OR
upwards
35

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution :

I X 50 A; d 5.0 10 2 m; I Y 10 A

a. ii. Magnitude of BY :

BY

4 10 10

2 2.5 10
7

BY 8.0 10 5 T

Direction : into the page OR upwards

Therefore
magnetic flux density at point A is
the
resultant

BA BX BY
BA BX BY

BA 4.0 10 4 8.0 10 5

36

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution :
b.

I X 50 A; d 5.0 10 2 m; I Y 10 A

d
BX
B
X

rX

IX

C r
Y

OR

BY

IY

IX

rX

rX r
rY d r

rY

IY
BY

Since the resultant magnetic flux density at point C is zero

thus

BC BX BY
0 BX BY
0 I X
BX BY where BX
2rX

and

0 I Y
BY
2rY
37

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution :
b.

I X 50 A; d 5.0 10 2 m; I Y 10 A

0 I X 0 I Y

2rX 2rY
IX
IY

r d r
50
10

r
5.0 10 2 r

38

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Example 19.4 :
Two long straight wires are oriented perpendicular to the page as
shown in Figure 6.20.

Figure 6.20
The current in one wire is I1 = 3.0 A pointing into the page and the
current in the other wire is I2= 4.0 A pointing out of page. Determine
the magnitude and direction of the nett magnetic field intensity at
point P.
(Given 0 = 4 107 H m1)
39

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution :

I1 3.0 A; I 2 4.0 A; r1 5.0 10 2 m

B2

2 2

2 2

5.0 10
r2 5.0 10
B1 r 7.110 2 m
2
r1 5.0 10 2
r1
r2
cos
r2 7.1 10 2
I 1 X 5.0 10 2 m I 2 cos 0.704 2
5.0 10
sin
0.704
2
7.1 10

By applying the equation of magnetic field intensity for straight wire,

thus
7

0 I1
B1
2r1

4 10 3.0
B
2 5.0 10
1

B1 1.20 10 5 T

40

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19
I1 3.0 A; I 2 4.0 A; r1 5.0 10 2 m
0 I 2
4 10 7 4.0
B2
B2
2r2
2 7.1 10 2
B2 1.13 10 5 T

Solution :
and

Vector

Vector
sum

x-component (T)

B1

B2

y-component (T)

B1 1.20 10 5

B2 cos
1.13 10 5 0.704

0
B2 sin
1.13 10 5 0.704

7.96 10 6
7.96 10 6
6
Bx 1.20 10 5 7.96 10 6 By 0 7.96 10

4.04 10 6

7.96 10 6

41

PHYSICS
Solution :

CHAPTER 19
I1 3.0 A; I 2 4.0 A; r1 5.0 10 2 m

Therefore the magnitude of the nett magnetic field intensity at point

P is given by

B Bx B y
2

4.04 10 7.96 10
6 2

6 2

and its direction is

1

By
tan
Bx
6

7
.
96

10
1

tan
6
4.04 10

B1

B2

63.1

OR
42

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Example 19.5 :
a. A closely wound circular coil of diameter 10 cm has 500 turns
and carries a current of 2.5 A. Determine the magnitude of the
magnetic field at the centre of the coil.
b. A solenoid of length 1.5 m and 2.6 cm in diameter carries a
current of 18 A. The magnetic field inside the solenoid is
2.3 mT. Calculate the length of the wire forming the solenoid.
(Given 0 = 4 107 T m A1)
Solution :
2
a. Given

10 10
R
2

5.0 10 2 m; N 500; I 2.5 A

By applying the equation for magnitude of the magnetic field at

the centre of the circular coil, thus

0 NI
B
2R

4 10 500 2.5
B
25.0 10
7

43

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CHAPTER 19

Solution :

2.6 10 2
b. Given l 1.5 m; r
1.3 10 2 m; Bi 2.3 10 3 T;
2
I 18 A
By applying the equation of magnetic flux density inside the
solenoid, thus
7

0 NI
Bi
l

2.3 10

4 10 N 18

1.5
N 153 turns

Since the shaped for each coil in the solenoid is circle, then the
circumference for one turn is

circumference 2r

circumference 2 1.3 10 2
circumference 8.17 10 2 m

Therefore the length of the wire forming the solenoid is

L N circumference
L 153 8.17 10 2

44

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Exercise 19.2 :
Given 0 = 4 107 T m A1
1.

10.0 cm
P1

P2

5.0 cm
15.0 cm

5.00 A

Figure 19.21

5.00 A

The two wires shown in Figure 6.21 carry currents of 5.00 A in

opposite directions and are separated by 10.0 cm.
a. Sketch the magnetic field lines pattern around both wires.
b. Determine the nett magnetic flux density at points P1 and
P2.
ANS. : 1.33105 T, out of page; 2.67106 T, out of page 45

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Exercise 19.2 :
2.

Figure 19.22
Four long, parallel power wires each carry 100 A current. A
cross sectional diagram for this wires is a square, 20.0 cm on
each side as shown in Figure 19.22.
a. Sketch the magnetic field lines pattern on the diagram.
b. Determine the magnetic flux density at the centre of the
square.
ANS. : 4.0 104 T , to the left (180)

46

PHYSICS
CHAPTER 19
Learning Outcome:
19.3

Force on a moving charged particle in a

uniform magnetic field

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

Use formulae:

Describe circular motion of a charge in a uniform

F q vB

magnetic field.

Use relationship FB = FC.

47

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.3 Force on a moving charged particle

in a uniform magnetic field
19.3.1 Magnetic force

A stationary electric charge in a magnetic field will not

experience a magnetic force. But if the charge is moving with
a velocity, v in a magnetic field, B then it will experience a
magnetic force.
The magnitude of the magnetic force can be calculated by
using the following equation:

F qvBsin
force
B : magnetic flux density
v : velocity of a charge
q : magnitude of the charge

: angle between v and B

(19.6)

where F : magnetic

48

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

In vector form,

F q vB

(19.7)

The direction of the magnetic force can be determined by using the

Flemings hand rule.

Flemings right

hand rule for negative charge

Flemings left
hand rule for positive charge

v
Note:
Figure 6.23
Thumb direction of Force

shown in
Figures 6.23
and 6.24

v
Figure 6.24

First finger direction of Field

Second finger direction of Velocity

49

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Example 19.6 :
Determine the direction of the magnetic force, F exerted on a
charge in the following problems:

a.
b.

B
c.

X
B

X
v

d.

e.

I
50

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution :
a. By using Flemings left hand rule, thus

F (into the page)

b. By using Flemings right hand rule, thus

(to the left) F

c. By using Flemings right hand rule, thus

(to the left) F

X
B

X
v

X
X
X
51

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution :
d. Using right hand grip rule to determine the direction of magnetic
field produces by the current I on the charge position. Then
apply the Flemings right hand rule, thus

(to the left) F

X
v
I

e. Using right hand grip rule to determine the direction of magnetic

field forms by the current I on the charge position. Then apply
the Flemings left hand rule, thus

F (upwards)

X
X

XB

52

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CHAPTER 19

Example 19.7 :
Calculate the magnitude of the force on a proton travelling
5.0107 m s1 in the uniform magnetic flux density of 1.5 Wb m2, if :
a. the velocity of the proton is perpendicular to the magnetic field.
b. the velocity of the proton makes an angle 50 with the magnetic
field.
(Given the charge of the proton is +1.601019 C)
Solution : v 5.0 107 m s 1 ; B 1.5 Wb m 2

90
Therefore F qvBsin

a. Given

1.60 10
b. Given
Hence

50

F 1.60 10

19

19

5.0 10 1.5sin 90
7

5.0 10 1.5sin 50
7

53

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CHAPTER 19

19.3.2 Motion of a charged particle in a uniform

magnetic field

Consider a charged particle moving in a uniform magnetic field

with its velocity perpendicular to the magnetic field.
As the particle enters the region, it will experiences a magnetic
force which the force is perpendicular to the velocity of the
particle. Hence the direction of its velocity changes but the
magnetic force remains perpendicular to the velocity.
This magnetic force, FB makes the path of the particle is a
circular as shown in Figures 19.25a, 19.25b,
19.25c and 19.25d.

F
X B

XF
B

X
v

Figure 19.25a

FB

FB

v
Figure 19.25b

54

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CHAPTER 19
X

FB
X

X
X

X
X

vX

XF X
B
X
X

X
X

FB

Figure 19.25c

FB

Figure 19.25d

Since the path is a circle therefore the magnetic force FB

contributes the centripetal force Fc (nett force) in this motion.
Thus

FB Fc

mv 2
qvBsin
r

and

90

55

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CHAPTER 19
mv
r
Bq

(19.8)

m : mass of the charged particle

v : magnitude of the velocity
r : radius of the circular path
q : magnitude of the charged particle
The period of the circular motion, T makes by the particle is
where

given by

2
v r and
T

2r
v
T

2r
T
v
2m
T

and

Bq

And the frequency of the circular motion is

mv
r
Bq
(19.9)

1
f
T

56

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CHAPTER 19

Example 19.8 :

v
A

20.0 cm

Figure 19.26
An electron at point A in Figure 6.26 has a speed v of 2.50 106
m s-1. Determine
a. the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field that will cause
the electron to follow the semicircular path from A to B.
b. the time required for the electron to move from A to B.
(Given e=1.601019 C and me= 9.111031 kg)

57

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution : v 2.50 10 6

m s 1; d 20.0 10 2 m

a. Since the path makes by the electron is a semicircular thus the

the magnitude of the magnetic field is given by

mv
r
Be
d mv

2 Be

and

d
r
2
20.0 10 2 9.11 10 31 2.50 10 6

2
B 1.60 10 19

Direction of magnetic field :

OR

v
A

B
58

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution : v 2.50 10 6

m s 1; d 20.0 10 2 m

b. The period of the electron is

v r and
d 2
v
2 T

2.50 10 6

20.0 10

Since the path is the semicircular then the time required for the
electron moves from A to B is given by

1
t T
2
1
t 2.51 10 7
2

59

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Exercise 19.3 :
1.

Determine the sign of a charge in the following problems.

a.
b.
B

ANS. : positive; positive

2. Determine the direction of the magnetic force exerted on a
positive charge in each problem below when a switch S is
closed.
a.
b.

Switch, S

v
Switch, S

ANS. : into the page; out of page

60

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CHAPTER 19

Exercise 19.3 :
3.

An electron experiences the greatest force as it travels

2.9106 m s1 in a magnetic field when it is moving north. The
force is upward and of magnitude 7.21013 N. Determine the
magnitude and direction of the magnetic field.
(Given the charge of the electron is 1.601019 C)
(Physics for scientists & engineers ,3rd edition, Giancoli, Q22,
p.705)

ANS. : 1.6 T to the east

4. An electron moving with a speed of 9.1105 m s1 in the
positive x direction experiences zero magnetic force. When it
moves in the positive y direction, it experiences a force of
2.01013 N that points in the negative z direction. What is the
direction and magnitude of the magnetic field?
(Given e=1.601019 C and me= 9.111031 kg)
(Physics, 3rd edition, James S. Walker, Q8, p.762)

ANS. : 1.37 T to the left (in the negative y direction)

61

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CHAPTER 19

Exercise 19.3 :
5.

Two charged particles with different speeds move one at a

time through a region of uniform magnetic field. The particles
move in the same direction and experience equal magnetic
forces.
a. If particle 1 has four times the charge of particle 2, which
particle has the greater speed? Explain.
b. Calculate the ratio of the speeds, v1/v2.
(Physics, 3rd edition, James S. Walker, Q9, p.762)

ANS. : 1/4
6. A 12.5 C particle of mass 2.80105 kg moves perpendicular
to a 1.01 T magnetic field in a circular path of radius 26.8 m.
a. How fast is the particle moving?
b. How long will it take the particle to complete one orbit?
(Physics, 3rd edition, James S. Walker, Q18, p.763)

ANS. : 12.1 m s1; 13.9 s

62

PHYSICS
CHAPTER 19
Learning Outcome:
19.4

Force on a current-carrying conductor in a

uniform magnetic field

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

Use force:

F I l B

63

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.4 Force on a current-carrying

conductor in a uniform magnetic field

When a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic

field B, thus a magnetic force will acts on that conductor.
The magnitude of the magnetic force exerts on the currentcarrying conductor is given by

F IlB sin
In vector form,

where

F I l B

(19.10)

(19.11)

F : magnetic force
B : magnitude of the magnetic flux density
I : current
l : length of the conductor

: angle between direction of I and B 64

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

The direction of the magnetic force can be determined by using

the Flemings left

hand rule as shown in Figure 19.27.

Note:
Thumb direction of Force

First finger direction of Magnetic Field

Second finger direction of Current

Figure 19.27

From the equation (19.10),

the magnetic force on the conductor has its maximum

value when the conductor (and therefore the current) and
the magnetic field are perpendicular (at right
angles) to each other then =90 (shown in Figure 19.28a).
65

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19
Fmax IlB sin 90
Fmax IlB

90

Figure 19.28a
the magnetic force on the conductor is zero when the
conductor (and therefore the current) is parallel to the
magnetic field then =0
(shown in Figure 19.28b).

F IlB sin 0
F 0

Figure 19.28b

66

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Note:

1 Tesla is defined as the magnetic flux density of a field in which

a force of 1 Newton acts on a 1 metre length of a conductor
which carrying a current of 1 Ampere and is perpendicular to
the field.

67

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Example 19.9 :
Determine the direction of the magnetic force, exerted on a currentcarrying conductor in the following cases.
a.
b.
X

X
B

X
B

Solution :
For both cases, use Flemings left hand rule :
b.
a.

(to the left) F

X (to the right)

X
B

X
B

X
68

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Example 19.10 :
A wire of 100 cm long is placed perpendicular to the magnetic field
of 1.20 Wb m2.
a. Calculate the magnitude of the force on the wire when a current
of 15 A is flowing.
b. For the same current in (a), determine the magnitude of the force
on the wire when its length is extended to 150 cm.
c. If the force on the wire in part (b) is 60102 N and the current
flows is 12 A, calculate the magnitude of magnetic field supplied.
Solution :
a. Given
l 1.00 m; B 1.20 Wb m2 ; 90

I 15 A
F IlB sin
151.00 1.20 sin 90

69

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution :
b. Given

I 15 A;l 1.50 m

The magnitude of the magnetic force on the wire is given by

F IlB sin
151.50 1.20 sin 90
c. Given

I 12 A;l 1.50 m; F 60 10 2 N

The magnitude of the magnetic field is given by

F IlB sin
60 10 2 12 1.50 B sin 90

70

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Example 19.11 :
A straight horizontal rod of mass 50 g and length 0.5 m is placed in
a uniform magnetic field of 0.2 T perpendicular to the rod. The force
acting on the rod just balances the rods weight.
a. Sketch a labelled diagram shows the directions of the current,
magnetic field, weight and force.
b. Calculate the current in the rod.
(Given g = 9.81 m s2)
Solution : m 50 10 3 g; l 0.5 m; B 0.2 T;

a.
F B

90

mg

b. Since the magnetic force acting on the rod just balances the rods
weight, therefore

F IlB sin
mg IlB sin

50 10 9.81 I 0.50.2sin 90
3

71

PHYSICS
CHAPTER 19
Learning Outcome:
22.5

Forces between two parallel currentcarrying conductors (1 hour)

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

Derive force per unit length of two parallel currentcarrying conductors.

Use formulae:
F 0 I1 I 2

l
2d

Define one ampere.

72

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.5 Forces between two parallel currentcarrying conductors

19.5.1 Force per unit length

Consider two identical straight conductors 1 and 2 carrying

currents I1 and I2 with length l are placed parallel to each other
as shown in Figure 19.29.

I1

B2

F12

F21

I1

Figure 19.29

I2
B1
P

I2
73

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

The conductors are in vacuum and their separation is d.

The magnitude of the magnetic flux density, B1 at point P on the

conductor 2 due to the current in the conductor 1 is given by

0 I1
B1
2d

Direction : into the page

Conductor 2 carries a current I2 and in the magnetic field B1

thus the conductor 2 will experiences a magnetic force, F12.

The magnitude of F12 is given by

F12 I 2lB1 sin

and

90

0 I1

I 2l
sin
90

2d
0 I1 I 2 l
F12
2d
74

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

The magnitude of F21 is given by

F21 I1lB2 sin and

90

0 I 2

I1l
sin 90
2d
0 I1 I 2 l
F21
2d

0 I1 I 2 l
Conclusion :
F12 F21 F
2d

(6.12)

and the type of the force is attractive.

From the equation (6.12), thus the force per unit length is given
by

F 0 I1 I 2

l
2d

(19.13)

75

PHYSICS

If the direction of current in the conductor 2 is change to upside

down as shown in Figure 6.30.

Note:

CHAPTER 19

The currents are in the

same direction 2
conductors attract
each other.
The currents are in
opposite direction 2
conductors repel each
other.

I1

F21

I1

B2

I2
B1
P
F12

I2

Figure 19.30
The magnitude of F12 and F21 can be determined by using the
eq. (6.12) and their direction can be determined by applying
Flemings left hand rule.
Conclusion : Type of the force is repulsive.
76

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Example 19.12 :
Two long straight parallel wires are placed 0.25 m apart in a
vacuum. Each wire carries a current of 2.4 A in the same direction.
a. Sketch a labelled diagram to show clearly the direction of the
force on each wire.
b. Calculate the force per unit length between the wires.
c. If the current in one of the wires is reduced to 0.64 A, calculate
the current needed in the second wire to maintain the same force
per unit length between the wires as in (b).
(Given 0 = 4 107 T m A1)
Solution : I1 I 2 2.4 A; d 0.25 m
a. The diagram is

F12

I1
F21

I2

77

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution :

I1 I 2 2.4 A; d 0.25 m

b. The force per unit length between the wires is given by

F 0 I1 I 2

l
2d

F
4 10 7 2.42.4

l
2 0.25

c. Given I1 0.64 A
Therefore the current needed in the second wire is

F 0 I1 I 2

l
2d
7

10
0.64 I 2
6
4.6 10
2 0.25

78

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.5.2 The ampere / One Ampere

From the eq. (6.13), if two long straight parallel conductors are
placed 1.0 m apart in a vacuum and carry equal currents of
1.0 A thus the force per unit length that each conductor exerts
on each other is given by

F 0 I1 I 2

l
2d
4 10 7 11

2 1
F
2.0 10 7 N m 1
l

1 ampere is defined as the constant current, which

flowing in each of two infinitely long parallel straight
conductors of negligible of cross sectional area separated
by a distance of 1.0 metre in vacuum, would produce a
force per unit length between the conductors of
79
2.0107 N m 1. (Ampre's force law)

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Ampere (current) Balance

D
Q

F
B

W mg
Fig. 6.9a

G
H

A
SF027
80

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Exercise 19.4 :

Given 0 = 4 107 T m A1
1. A vertical straight conductor Y of length 0.5 m is situated in a
uniform horizontal magnetic field of 0.1 T.
a. Sketch a labelled diagram to show the directions of the
current, field and force.
b. Calculate the force on Y when a current of 4 A is passed
into it.
c. Through what angle must Y be turned in a vertical plane so
that the force on Y is halved?
(Advanced level physics, 7th edition, Nelkon&Parker, Q6, p.336)

ANS. : 0.2 N; 60
2. A current-carrying conductor experiences no magnetic force
when it is placed in a uniform magnetic field. Explain the
statement.

81

PHYSICS
CHAPTER 19
Learning Outcome:
19.6

Torque on a coil (1 hour)

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

Use formulae:

NI A B

where N = number of turns

Explain the working principles of a moving coil

galvanometer.

82

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.6 Torque on a coil

19.6.1 Formula of torque

Consider a rectangular coil (loop) of wire with side lengths a and

b that it can turn about axis PQ. The coil is in a magnetic field of
flux density B and the plane of the coil makes an angle with
the direction of the magnetic field. A current I is flowing round
the coil as shown in Figure 6.31.

83

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

I
P

I

A B

F1

B F
1

B
Q

Figure 19.31a
84

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

rotation

F1

F1

b
2

b
sin
2

rotation

b
sin
2

Figure 19.31b: side view

From the Figure 19.31b, the magnitude of the force F1 is given
by F IlB sin 90 and l a
1

F1 IaB
85

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

From the Figure 19.31a, the forces F lie along the axis PQ.
The resultant force on the coil is zero but the nett torque is
not zero because the forces F1 are perpendicular to the axis
PQ as shown in Figure 19.31a.
The forces F1 cause the coil to rotate in the clockwise
direction about the axis PQ as shown in Figure 19.31b.
The magnitude of the nett torque about the axis PQ (refer to
Figure 19.31b) is given by

F1 sin F1 sin
2

b
and F IaB
2 F1 sin
1
2

2IaB sin
2

IabB sin and ab A(area of coil)

86

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19
IAB sin
since

90 thus

IAB sin 90

IABcos

For a coil of N turns, the magnitude of the torque is given by

NIAB sin

(19.14)

OR

NIAB cos
where

(19.15)

: torque on the coil

B : magnetic flux density
I : current flows in the coil

: angle between ve ctor area A and B

: angle between th e plane of the coil and B

N : number of turns (coils)
87

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

From the eq. (19.14), thus the formula of torque in the vector
form is given by

NI A B

(19.16)

The torque is zero when = 90 or = 0 and is maximum

when = 0 or
= 90 as shown in Figures 19.32a and 19.32b.

90

0
Figure 19.32b

Figure 19.32a

NIAB sin 0
OR

NIAB cos 90

90

plane of the coil

NIAB sin 90
OR

NIAB cos 0

max NIAB

88

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

In a radial field, the plane of the coil is always parallel to the

magnetic field for any orientation of the coil about the vertical
axis as shown in Figure 19.33.

0
OR

90

radial field fixed soft

coil
iron cylinder
Figure 19.33: Plan view of moving coil meter
Hence the torque on the coil in a radial field is always
constant and maximum given by
NIAB sin 90 OR NIAB cos 0

NIAB

maximum

Radial field is used in moving coil galvanometer.

89

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Example 19.13 :
A 50 turns rectangular coil with sides 10 cm 20 cm is placed
vertically in a uniform horizontal magnetic field of magnitude 2.5 T. If
the current flows in the coil is 7.3 A, determine the torque acting on
the coil when the plane of the coil is
a. perpendicular to the field,
b. parallel to the field,
c. at 75 to the field.
Solution : N 50 turns; B 2.5 T; I 7.3 A
The area of the coil is given by
a.

2
2
2
2
A

10

10
20

10

2
.
0

10
m

B From the figure, = 90 and = 0 , thus the

90
torque on the coil is
A NIAB cos OR NIAB sin

NIAB cos 90
0

NIAB sin 0
90

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19
Solution : N 50 turns; B 2.5 T; I 7.3 A
b.

From the figure, = 0 and = 90 , thus

B the torque on the coil is
90 NIAB cos

507.3 2.0 102 2.5cos 0

c.

B
75
15

From the figure, = 75 and = 15,thus

the torque on the coil is

NIAB cos
507.32.0 102 2.5cos 75

91

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.6.2 Moving-coil galvanometer

A galvanometer consists of a coil of wire suspended in the

magnetic field of a permanent magnet. The coil is rectangular
shape and consists of many turns of fine wire as shown in
Figure 6.34.

Figure 19.34
92

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

When the current I flows through the coil, the magnetic field
exerts a torque on the coil as given by

NIAB

This torque is opposed by a spring which exerts a torque, s

given by
(19.17)
k
s

where

k : torsional constant

: rotation angle of the coil in radian

The coil and pointer will rotate only to the point where the
spring torque balances the torque due to magnetic field,
thus
s

NIAB k
k
I
NAB

(19.18)
93

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Example 19.14 :
A rectangular coil of 10 cm 4.0 cm in a galvanometer has 50 turns
and a magnetic flux density of 5.0 102 T. The resistance of the
coil is 40 and a potential difference of 12 V is applied across the
galvanometer, calculate the maximum torque on the coil.
Solution : N 50 turns; B 5.0 102 T; R 40 ;

V 12 V

The area of the coil is given by

A 10 102 4.0 102 4.0 103 m2

The current through the galvanometer is

V IR

12 I 40
I 0.3 A

Therefore the maximum torque on the coil is

max NIAB

500.3 4.0 103 5.0 102

94

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Exercise 19.5 :
1.

A moving coil meter has a 50 turns coil measuring 1.0 cm by

2.0 cm. It is held in a radial magnetic field of flux density
0.15 T and its suspension has a torsional constant of 3.0106
N m rad1. Determine the current is required to give a
deflection of 0.5 rad.
ANS. : 1.0103 A

95

PHYSICS
CHAPTER 19
Learning Outcome:
19.7

Motion of charged particle in magnetic

field and electric field

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

Explain the motion of a charged particle in both magnetic

field and electric field.

Derive and use velocity

E
v
B
in a velocity selector.

96

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

19.7 Motion of charged particle in

magnetic field and electric field

Consider a positively charged particle with mass m, charge q

and velocity v enters a region of space where the electric and
magnetic fields are perpendicular to the particles velocity and to
each other as shown in Figure 19.38.

X
X

X
X

FB X

X
v

XB
X

X
X
X
X X
X
X
X E X
X X
FE
X

Figure 19.38
97

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

The charged particle will experiences the electric force FE is

downwards with magnitude qE and the magnetic force FB is
upwards with magnitude qvB as shown in Figure19.38.
If the particle travels in a straight line with a constant velocity
hence the electric and magnetic forces are equal in
magnitude. Therefore

FB FE
qvBsin 90 qE
E
v
B

(19.21)

Only the particles with velocity equal to E/B can pass

through without being deflected by the fields.
Eq. (19.21) also works for electron or other negatively charged
particles.
98

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Figure 19.38 known as velocity selector.

Normally, after the charged particle passing through the velocity
selector it will enter the next region consist of a uniform
magnetic field only. This apparatus known as mass
spectrometer as shown in Figure 19.39.
X

vX

X
X

XF

X
v

X
X

X
X
X
X X
X
X
X E X
X
X

FE
X

X
B X FB X

Figure 19.39

99

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

When the charged particle entering the region consist of

magnetic field only, the particle will make a semicircular
path of radius r as shown in Figure 19.39.Therefore

FB FC
mv 2
qvB
r

E
q
v
and

v
m rB
B
q
E
2
m rB

(19.22)

From the eq. (19.22), the mass spectrometer can be used to

determine the value of q/m for any charged particle.

100

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Example 19.15 :
An electron with kinetic energy of 8.01016 J passes perpendicular
through a uniform magnetic field of 0.40103 T. It is found to follow
a circular path. Calculate
a. the radius of the circular path.
b. the time required for the electron to complete one revolution.
(Given e/m = 1.761011 C kg-1, me = 9.111031 kg)
Solution : K 8.0 10 16 J; B 0.40 10 3 T
a. The speed of the electron is given by

1 2
K mv
2
1
16
8.0 10 9.11 10 31 v 2
2

v 4.19 10 7 m s 1
101

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Solution : K

8.0 10 16 J; B 0.40 10 3 T

a. Since the path made by the electron is circular, thus

FB FC
2
mv
evBsin 90
r

v
e
B
r
m
7
4
.
19

10
0.40 10 3
r

1.76 10
11

b. The time required for the electron to complete one revolution is

2r
given by

T
2 0.595
7
4.19 10
T
102

PHYSICS

CHAPTER 19

Exercise 19.6 :

An electron moving at a steady speed of 0.50106 m s1

passes between two flat, parallel metal plates 2.0 cm apart
with a potential difference of 100 V between them. The
electron is kept travelling in a straight line perpendicular to the
electric field between the plates by applying a magnetic field
perpendicular to the electrons path and to the electric field.
Calculate :
a. the intensity of the electric field.
b. the magnetic flux density needed.
ANS. : 0.50104 V m1; 0.010 T
2. A proton moving in a circular path perpendicular to a constant
magnetic field takes 1.00 s to complete one revolution.
Determine the magnitude of the magnetic field.
1.

(Physics for scientist and engineers, 6th edition, Serway&Jewet,

Q32, p.921)

(mp=1.671027 kg and charge of the proton, q=1.601019 C)

ANS. : 6.56102 T
103