WORKSHEET: MAGNETIC TORQUE, DC MOTORS

1. A loop of wire of N turns and cross sectional area A with current I

flowing through it is placed in a uniform magnetic field of flux density
B.
The loop is placed horizontal and the magnetic field lines are from left
to right.

a. State the equation for the maximum torque acting on the loop.

max = ___________________________

The loop is allowed to rotate counter clockwise. The angle of

rotation is denoted as . This means that when the loop has rotated
through an angle counter clockwise, its surface is at to the
horizontal.
b. Obtain a relationship between the torque on coil and the angle .

= ________________________

c. Hence sketch the graph of versus for one complete

rotation.

d. When is the torque on the loop maximum? Choose the

appropriate response:

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 A. When the surface area of the coil is perpendicular to the B
field
B. When the surface area of the coil is parallel to the B field
C. When the surface of the coil makes an angle of 45 with the
B field

2. A 150 turn square loop of wire 18.0 cm on a side that carries a 50.0 A
current in a 1.60 T field.
a. What is the maximum torque on the loop? [389 Nm]

b. What is the torque when it has rotated through 10.9? [73.5

Nm]

3. Find the current through a loop needed to create a maximum torque

of 9.00 Nm. The loop has 50 square turns that are 15.0 cm on a side
and is in a uniform 0.800 T magnetic field. [10.0 A]

4. Calculate the magnetic field strength needed on a 200-turn square

loop 20.0 cm on a side to create a maximum torque of 300 Nm if the
loop is carrying 25.0 A. [1.50 T]

5. A proton has a magnetic field due to its spin on its axis. The field is
similar to that created by a circular current loop 0.65010-15 m in
radius with a current of 1.05104 A. Find the maximum torque on a
proton in a 2.50-T field. (This is a significant torque on a small
particle.) [.-26 Nm]

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6. The principle of magnetic torque is used in designing DC motors.
i. Describe the working principle of a DC motor
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ii. Briefly describe the function of these components:
a. The carbon brushes,
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b. The split rings

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iii. Why must the current direction be reversed in the coils of the DC
motor?
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iv. State three ways of increasing the torque on a DC motor.
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7. WACE 2010, Question 16, page 172 and 173 of Course Manual.

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