CHAPTER 4

MAGNETIC FIELD
PST [ 7 hours ]
PDT [ 14 hours ]

4.1 Magnetic Field

4.2 Magnetic field produced by current carrying conductor
4.3 Force on a moving charged particle in a uniform magnetic
field
4.4 Force on a current carrying conductor in a uniform
magnetic field
4.5 Forces between two parallel current carrying conductors
4.6 Torque on a coil
4.7 Motion of charged particle in magnetic field and electric
field

Have you seen

this phenomenon
before?

Northern lights
(aurora borealis)
the beautiful
display of light in
the sky. It occurs
when electrons
streaming from
the sun become
trapped by the
earths magnetic
field.
2

Magnetic fingerprinting
allows fingerprints to be
seen on surfaces that
otherwise would not allow
prints to be lifted.
Magnetic brush
removes the excess
magnet powder and
makes the fingerprint
visible.

4.1 Magnetic Field

Definition: A region around a magnet or a
current carrying conductor where magnetic
force is experienced.
* Magnetic poles always come in pairs.
- North, N and South, S
- cant exist in one pole like in the electric field
- like poles repel and opposite poles attract.

Opposit
e Poles
attract

Same
Poles
repel

Magnetic Field
Is a vector quantity.
Its direction can be determined by using a small
compass needle.

* Direction of the magnetic field

- always tangent to the magnetic field lines
- exit the North pole
- enter the South pole

Conceptual Question

The direction of any magnetic field is

taken to be in the direction that an
Earth-calibrated compass points.
Explain why this mean that magnetic
field lines must leave from the north
pole of a permanent bar magnet and
enter its south pole.

What creates
magnetic field ?

10

Magnetic field sources

(1) Earth ( B = 510-5 T ) natural permanent magnet.
(2) Bar magnet permanent magnet with a typical
magnetic field.
(3) Current carrying wire ( conductor )
(4) Current carrying solenoid (conductor)

11

Any CURRENT CARRYING conductor can

produced magnetic field.

12

Earth as a source of magnet

The earth behaves magnetically almost as if a

bar magnet were located near its center.

13

The Earth's
magnetic
field appears to
come from a giant
bar magnet, but with
its south pole
located up near the
Earth's north pole
(near Canada).
The magnetic field
lines come out of the
Earth near Antarctica
and enter near
Canada.
14

The Physics of navigation for animals

Some animals such as migratory birds
can sense the Earths magnetic field
and use it for navigation purpose.
Spiny lobsters use
the Earths
magnetic field to
navigate and
determine their
geographic
position.
15

Comparison between
magnetic field and electric
field

similari
ty

Differe
nce

16

Similarity:
In electricity like charges repel and
unlike charges attract ;
In magnetism like poles repel, unlike
poles attract.

In the world of magnetism

17

Difference:
Magnetic field is a dipole field. Every magnet
must have 2 poles.
But electrical charges are called monopole.
Electrical charges can stand alone.
Magnetic poles are
always found in pairs.
No matter how many
times permanent magnet
is cut into two, each
piece always has a north
and south pole.
2 types of charges can
exist separately.
18

MAGNETIC FIELD LINES AND MAGNETIC FLUX

Magnetic field lines
A magnetic field can be represented by a set of
lines or curves.

19

20

21

Before you sketch the

magnetic field lines , you
should know
Magnetic field lines exit from the north pole of a
magnet and enter at the south pole.
Magnetic field lines never cross each other & the
number of lines determine the strength of the
magnetic field.
Magnetic field is strong when the lines are close
together.
Lines that are straight, parallel to each other &
equal space uniform magnetic field.
22

Before you sketch the

magnetic field lines, you
should know
Region where a magnetic field is directed out of
page or into the page are drawn as shown :

Out of page

Into the page

23

Before you sketch the

magnetic field lines, you
should know

More field lines

indicates strong
magnetic field

Less field lines

indicates weak
magnetic field

24

Quick Check 1

Which symbol in the figure shows that magnetic

field lines is flowing into the screen?

Answer : Q

25

Various Patterns of
Magnetic Field lines

2
Magnetic
field lines
repel each
other.

Neutral.
No
magnetic
field lines.
26

Various Patterns of
Magnetic Field lines

Point () is a neutral point resultant magnetic

27
field is ZERO.

Various Patterns of
Magnetic Field lines
4

28

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 1
Sketch the magnetic field lines pattern around the bar magnets for
following cases.
a. b.

29

Magnetic Field Strength ( B )

is defined as the magnetic flux per unit area across

an area at right angles to the magnetic field.
field
Mathematically,
where

* also known as :

magnetic flux density or magnetic field intensity

* vector quantity
* Unit SI : Tesla (T) or

Weber per meter squared (Wb m2)

* Other Unit : Gauss (G)

1 G = 0.0001 T

32

Magnetic Flux ( B )
* is the number of magnetic field lines that
passes through an area A.

* Scalar quantity
* Unit of B : Weber (Wb) or T m2

33

Do you know there is a connection between

Electric currents

and

Magnetic fields

Electric currents can create

Magnetic field.
Its discovered by Hans Christian
Oersted in 1820.

34

No current flow in wire,

hence no deflection in
compasss needle.
The
presence of a current in a
wire near a magnetic
compass affects the
direction of the
compasss needle. We
now know
that current gives rise
to magnetic fields, just
as electric charge gave35
rise to electric fields.

4.2 Magnetic Field produced by

current-carrying conductor
Magnetic field produced in :

(i) long straight wire

(ii) circular coil
(iii) solenoid
36

(i) Magnetic field produced in long straight wire

At a perpendicular distance r from
a long straight wire carrying a
current I, the magnitude of
magnetic field, B is given by:

o I
B
2 r
where

o 4 10 7 T m A 1

o = permeability of free space

37

The magnetic field lines form concentric circles

around the wire.

38

o I
From : B
2 r

B I ; B
r

Stronger field
(Lines closer)

weaker field

The magnetic field, B becomes stronger as the radial

distance r decreases, so the field lines are closer together
39
near the wire.

40

Direction of magnetic field can be determined

by using compass

41

The direction of B is given by Right Hand

Rule-2 or Right Hand Grip Rule.

42

Bin

Bout

43

left side of
the wire

Right side
of the wire

left side of
the wire

Right side
of the wire

I
Bin

Bout

Bout

Bin

Direction of current:
downward

Direction of current:
44
upward

EXAMPLE 1
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.

45

Solution :
a.

View from above

OR

View from above

46

Solution :
b.

View from above

I
OR
View from above

XI

47

Quick Check 2

Answer :
P

Which one of
the pictures
shows the
magnetic field
that produced
by a single
straight
currentcarrying wire?
48

EXAMPLE 2
A long straight wire carries a current of 2.5 A. Find the
magnitude of the magnetic field 25 cm from the wire.

Solution
I

oI
B
2 r
7

r = 25 cm

4 10 (2.5)

2
2 (25 10 )
B 2 10

T
49

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 2

A student is provided with a 3.0 m long wire

with a current of 0.15 A flowing through it.
What is the strength of the magnetic field at
the center of the wire if the wire is bent into a
circular coil of one turn?

Answer : 1.96 x
10-7 T

50

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 3
A straight wire carrying current of 250 A is placed
horizontally 20 m above the ground. Calculate the
magnetic field strength at the ground level under the
wire.

Answer : 2.5 x
10-6 T

52

EXAMPLE 3
2 long parallel wires
carry currents of 8 A and
2 A.
What is the resultant
magnetic field at :
(i) midway between the
wires ?
(ii) 1.5 cm to the left of the
1st wire ?

54

Solution

6 cm
I
1

B?

6 cm

I
2

At midway, the resultant magnetic field is due to

magnetic field produced by wire 1 and wire 2. 55

Solution
(i) midway between the wires
12
r1 r 2
6 cm
2

For 1st wire :

4 10 7 (8)
oI 1
5
B1

2.67 10
2
2 r 1 2 (6 10 )

For 2nd wire :

4 10 7 (2)
oI 2
6
B2

6.67

10
2 r 2 2 (6 10 2 )

out of page ( )

56

Solution
The resultant magnetic field at that point :

B B1 B 2

Minus because B1 and B2 in

opposite direction

5
6

2
.
67

10

6
.
67

10

5
B

10
T

Solution
(ii) 1.5 cm to the left of 1st wire :

B1 = ( )

B2 = ( )
58

Solution
For 1st wire :

4 10 7 (8)
oI 1
4
1.067 10
B1

2
2 r 1 2 (1.5 10 )

out of page ( )
For 2nd wire :

4 10 7 (2)
oI 2
6
B2

2 2.963 10
2 r 2 2 (13.5 10 )

out of page ( )
59

Solution
The resultant magnetic field at that point :

B B1 B 2
r
4
6
B

1.067

10

2.963

10

r
4
B

1.097

10
T

Direction : out of page ( )

Where on a line perpendicular to

and joining the wires is the
magnetic field zero ?

The point must lie between 1st wire & 2nd

wire where the B produced by both wire
are in opposite direction and will cancel
out each others.

61

I1= 8 A

I2 = 2 A

12 cm

0.12x

B1() B 2()

Assume the point is at a

distance x from 1st wire:

B 0

B1 B 2
oI 1
oI 2

2 r 1 2 r 2

8
2

x (0.12 x)
0.12 x 0.25 x

0.12
x
0.096 m
1.25
62

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 4
Two long straight wires are
oriented perpendicular to
the page as shown in
figure (a).
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 net
magnetic field intensity
at point P.

Answer: 8.94 x 10-6 T; 63.3

63

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 5
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)

Answer: -3.2 x 10-4 T; -4.8 x 10-4 T; 4.2 x 10-2m

68

(ii) Magnetic field due to current flowing in a circular coil

For a circular coil consisting of N turns, radius R and
carrying current I, magnetic field at the centre is given by:

o N I
B
2R

View from above

View from above

N
ORo r

S
I

75

Magnetic Field
(North)

I
Curl Fingers I
Thumb point North
Pole
76

EXAMPLE 4
A circular coil has 15 turns and a diameter of
45.0 cm. If the magnetic field strength at the
center of the coil is 8.0104 T, find the current
flowing in the coil.
Solution

Given:
Magnetic field, B= 8.0 x 10-4 T
Number of turns, N = 15 turns
Diameter, D = 45.0 cm = 45.0 x 10-2 m
Radius, R = 22.5 cm =22.5 x 10-2 m
77

Solution

o N I
B
2R
2 BR
I
o N

2 8 10 4 22.5 10 2
I
7
4 10 15

I 19.1 A

78

EXAMPLE 5
A long straight wire carries a current of I1 = 8.0A lies
next to a circular loop of radius R = 0.03 m that carries
a current I2 = 2.0 A. Find the magnitude and direction
of the magnetic field at the center C of the loop.

BC ?

79

The net magnetic field at the point C is the sum

of two contributions: (1) the field B1 produced by
the long, straight wire, and (2) the field B2
produced by the circular loop.

Apply RHR-2 shows that at point C the field B1 is

directed upward.
The magnetic field B2 is directed downward,
80
opposite to the direction of B1.

Solution
Magnitude and direction of the magnetic field at the center
C of the loop, Bc = ?

BC B1 B 2

I
I

2r
2R
o

Long,
straight
wire

Minus because
B1 and B2 have
opposite
direction
Center of a
circular loop
7

4 10 (8) 4 10 ( 2)

2 (0.03)
2(0.03)

r
5
BC 1.1 10 T

The net field is +, so it is directed upward

81

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 6
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.
(Given 0 = 4 107 T m A1)

Answer: (a) 1.57 x 10-2 T ; (b) 12.5 m

82

(iii) Magnetic field for current carrying solenoid

A solenoid is constructed by winding a long wire into
a tight coil or helix with many circular loops.

Consider a solenoid of N turns & carries current I as

shown in figure below :

S
I

84

The magnitude of magnetic field strength at the

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

o NI
Bcentre
L

Bcentre o n I

N
and
=n
L
Where :
n = number of turns per unit length
N = total number of turns
L = length of the solenoid

Magnetic
Field(N)

85

The magnitude of magnetic field strength

at the end of N turn solenoid is given by :

1
Bend 0 nI
2

1
Bend 0 nI
2

r
Bcentre o n I

86

Applying the right hand grip rule to determine the

direction of B .
(a)

IMPORTANT

Thumb north pole

Other fingers
direction of current
in solenoid.

(b)

I
87

88

89

90

EXAMPLE 6
A solenoid of 50 turns is carrying a current of
10 mA. The magnetic field strength at the
centre is 1.05106 T. Calculate the length of
the solenoid.
Solution
Given:
Magnetic field at the centre , Bcentre = 1.05 x 10-6 T
Number of turns, N = 50 turns
Current, I = 10 mA= 10 x 10-3 m
91

Solution

o NI
Bcentre
L

NI

L
Bcentre
o

4 10 50 10 10
L
7

1.05 10

L 0.59 m
92

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 7

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)

Answer: 12.5 m
93

SUMMARY CONCEPT
Current can produced magnetic field.

o I
B
2 r
(1) Long straight wire,

o N I
(2) Circular coil / loop, B 2 R

(3) Solenoid, Bcentre o NI o n I

L
and

1 0 NI
1
Bend
0 nI
2 L
2

Direction B
can be
determined
By using
right
hand rule 2.
96

4.3 Force on a moving charged particle in a

uniform magnetic field.
When a charged particle moves through a magnetic
field, there is a force acting on the charge.

97

This force is perpendicular to the direction of the charge &

magnetic field.
This force is called magnetic force or Lorentz force.

F qv B

Vector expression for

magnetic force on a charged
particle moving in a magnetic
field

The magnitude of this magnetic force is:

F qvB sin
where q : magnitude of charge for the charged particles
v : velocity of charged particle
B : magnetic field strength
98
: angle between v and B

The magnetic force, F is zero when v is parallel /

antiparallel to B ( = 0 or 180 )
The magnetic force, F is max ( F = qvB ) when v is
perpendicular to B ( = 90 )

F qvB sin 0
F 0

F qvB sin 90
F max qvB
99

The direction of the force can be determined

using Right Hand Rule No 1 (RHR1) :
Palm of the hand faces in
the direction of magnetic
force, F.
Fingers
point along
the
direction of
magnetic
field, B.
Thumb points along the velocity of the
charge, v.

100

If the moving charge is

NEGATIVE,
the direction of the
magnetic force is
OPPOSITE to that
predicted by RHR1.

EXAMPLE 7
Determine the direction of the magnetic force
on the particles as they enter the magnetic field
as shown in Figure below.
Applying RHR1 :
The force is
upward

102

Out of the plane of the

paper

No deflection

103

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 8
Determine the direction of the magnetic force, F
exerted on a charge in the following problems:

a.
b.

v
B

B
c.

BX

X
v

d.

e.

v
104

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 9
1.

Determine the sign of a charge in the following

problems.

a.

B
F

b.

ANS. : positive; positive

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 10
Determine the direction of the magnetic force
exerted on a positive charge in each problem
below when a switch S is closed.
a.
b.

108

Switch, S

ANS. :

Switch, S

into the page; out of page

EXAMPLE 8
A beam of protons ( q = 1.61019 C ) moves at 3105 m s1
through a uniform magnetic field with magnitude 2.0 T
that is directed along the positive z axis. The velocity of
each proton lies in the x-z plane at an angle 30 to the +z
axis.
Find the force on a proton.

30

z B 2T

v 3 105 m s 1
109

Given: v = 3 X 105 ms-1; B = 2.0T; = 30

Solution

r
r r
F qv B
F qvB sin

1.6 10

19

3 10 2.0 sin 30
5

4.8 1014 N
Using Right Hand Rule :

+
30

B 2T

From Right Hand

Rule, force on the
x proton is directed
downwards @ -y axis.

v 3 105 m s 1
110

EXAMPLE 9
A proton has a speed of 5106 m s1. The proton
encounters a magnetic field whose magnitude is 0.40 T
and whose direction makes an angle of =30 with respect
to the protons velocity.
Find
(a) magnitude of the magnetic force on the proton.
(b)the acceleration of the proton.

Solution
Given : v = 5106 m s1 ; B= 0.4 T
= 30 ; q = 1.61019 C
Find magnitude of FB = ?
acceleration ?

111

(a) Using :

F qvB sin
(1.6 10

19

)(5 10 )(0.40) sin 30

F 1.6 10 13 N
(b) Acceleration of the proton:
Applying Newtons 2nd law :

F ma
13

F 1.6 10
13
2

9
.
6

10
m
s
a
m 1.67 10 27
Direction of a is the same as the direction of the net force
112
( the magnetic force )

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 11
Calculate the magnitude of the force on a
proton travelling 5.0107 m s1 in the uniform
magnetic flux density of 1.5 Wb m 2, 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)

Answer: (a) 1.20 x 10-11 N ; (b) 9.19 x 10-12 N

113

Circular Motion of a charge

in a uniform magnetic field

v
v

The Circular Trajectory

A charged particle

enters perpendicularly
into a uniform

v
v

magnetic field.

The magnetic force, F causes the particle to

move on a circular path ( apply RHR1)

115

When the positively charged particle is at point 1,

apply RHR1, the magnetic force F is perpendicular to
the velocity v & points directly upward. This force
causes the trajectory to bend upward.
When the particle reaches point 2, the magnetic force
still remain perpendicular to the velocity but is now
directed to the left.
The magnetic force always perpendicular to the
velocity & is directed towards the center of the
circular path.

116

Magnetic force supplies centripetal force.

Referring to the diagram:

FB Fc
mv 2
qvB sin 90
r

v
Since :
, thus we have :
r

mv
r
qB
qB

2 r
2
Since : T

2 m
T
qB
( Time taken for a charged particle to complete a
circular orbit in magnetic field. )

117

EXAMPLE
A particle with a charge of 5104 C and a mass of
2109kg moves at a speed of 1103 m s1 in the +x
direction toward a uniform magnetic field of 0.20 T as
shown in figure below.

118

(a) Sketch the possible path of the electron after it

enters the magnetic field ?

F
F F
F

Electron
travels
anticlockwise
in circular
trajectory

v
119

(b) What is the force acting on the particle as it enters

the magnetic field ?
Using:

F qvB sin
(5 10 4 )(1 10 3 )(0.2) sin 90
F 0.10 N

120

(c) What is the radius of the circular orbit of the particle

while it is in the field ?
Since electron travel in circular path the magnetic
force supplies the centripetal force.

FB Fc

mv 2
F
r
9

3 2

2 10 (1 10 )
0.10
r
2
r 2 10 m
r 2 cm

121

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 12
v
A

20.0 cm

Figure 6.26

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)
Answer: (a) 1.42 x 10-4 T ; (b) 1.26 x 10-7 s

122

4.4 Force on a current-carrying conductor in a

uniform magnetic field

Electric current is composed of many moving

charged particles ( electrons ), therefore
magnetic field exert force on conductor that
125
carry current.



F IL B

Vector expression for

magnetic force on a current
carrying conductor in a
magnetic field
126

The magnitude of the magnetic force

is given by :

F BIL sin
where I : current in the conductor
L : length of the conductor
B : magnetic field strength
: angle between I & B

127

The direction of the force is demonstrated by

Right Hand Rule No 1 (RHR1).
Fingers point
along the magnetic
field B
Thumb points
along the direction
of current I
Palm faces in the
direction of the
magnetic force F
128

Example : wire carrying current in magnetic field

129

The magnetic force on a current carrying

conductor is a maximum when the
conductor is oriented perpendicular to the
field ( = 90 )
The magnetic force vanishes (zero) when
the conductor is parallel or antiparallel to
the field ( = 0 or 180 ).

130

Quick Check 3
Rank the orientation according to the magnitude of
the magnetic force exerted on the wire largest to
smallest. Determine the direction of magnetic force.
(b)

(a)

Out of page

No Force

(c)

To the right

(a) I perpendicular to B, F is max.

(b) I parallel to B, F = 0 N.
(c) I perpendicular to B, F is max
Ranking a, c, b

131

EXAMPLE 11
A straight horizontal copper rod carries a current of 50.0 A
from west to east in a region between the poles of a large
electromagnet. In this region there is a horizontal magnetic
field towards the northeast with magnitude 1.20 T, as shown
in figure.Find the magnitude and direction of the force on a
1.0 m section of rod.
(y)
North

West

45

I 50.0 A

East

(x)

1.00 m
B 1.20 T
South

132

Solution:
Magnitude of magnetic force :

F BIL sin 1.20(50)(1.0) sin 450

42.4 N
Direction of magnetic force :

Apply RHR1 rule

the force is out of the plane
133

EXAMPLE 12
A 45 m length of wire is stretched horizontally between
two vertical posts. The wire carries a current of 75 A and
experiences a magnetic force of 0.15 N. Find the
magnitude of the earths magnetic field at the location of
the wire, assuming the field makes an angle of 60 with
respect to the wire.
Solution
Using:

F BIL sin
F
B
IL sin

0.15

0
75(45) sin 60

B 5.13 10 5 T

134

EXAMPLE 13
Two conducting rails are 1.6 m apart and are parallel to
the ground at the same height.

A 0.2 kg aluminum rod is lying on top of the rails and a

0.05 T magnetic field points upward, perpendicular to
the ground. There is a current I in the rod, directed as in
drawing. The coefficient of static friction between the
rod and each rail is s = 0.45.
How much current is needed to make the rod begin
135
moving and in which direction will it move ?

Rod carry current

put in magnetic
field, have
magnetic force, F.
Apply RHR, F is to
the left.

fs (max)

F
fs (max)

Since F pull rod

to left, friction act
in opposite
direction to the
right.

For the rod begin to move, the magnetic force is equals to

the frictional force.

F 2 fs(max)
BIL sin 2 s N

* N mg

2 s (mg ) 2(0.45)(0.2)(9.81)
I

BL sin
0.05(1.6) sin 900
I 22.07 A
Apply RHR1 rule the rod moves to left.

136

4.5 Forces between two parallel currentcarrying conductors (wires)

For 2 parallel current carrying wires, what
force exist between the wires ?
I1

I2

Wire 1

Wire 2

137

For current flow

in same
direction :
Wire 1 carries
current I1
produce
magnetic field.
Magnetic field
produced by
wire 1 circulates
around it,
coming out of
the page at the
left of the wire
and entering the
page at the right

(3) Apply RHR-1, the magnetic

force acting on wire 2 is to the
LEFT.
(2)
I1
I2
Wire 2
(1)
locates at
left right
the right of
the wire 1
experience
sa
F2
B1 magnetic
field B1 that
point into
the page.
I

138

Apply RHR-1, the magnetic

(3)
force acting on wire 1 is to the
RIGHT

I1
(2)
Wire 1
locates at
the left of
the wire 2
experience
sa
magnetic
field point
out of the
page, B2.

I2
left

B2

F1

right

Wire 2 carries
(1) current I2
produce
magnetic
field.
Magnetic field
produced by
wire 2
circulates
around it,
coming out of
the page at
the left of the
wire and
entering the
page at the139
right of the

As a result .
I1

I2

F1 F2

Wire 1 experiences force, F1 to the right

Wire 2 experiences force, F2 to the left.
Both wire attract each other.

140

For current flow

in opposite
direction :
Wire 1 carries
(1)
current I1 produce
magnetic field.
Magnetic field
produced by wire
1 circulates
around it, coming
out of the page at
the left of the
wire and entering
the page at the
right of the wire.

(3) Apply RHR-1, the magnetic

force acting on wire 2 is to the
right.

I1
left

I2
right

(2)

F2
B1

Wire 2
locates at
the right of
the wire 1
experience
sa
magnetic
field B1 that
point into
the page.
141

(2) Wire 1 locates at the left of the wire

2 experiences a magnetic field point
into the page, B2.

I1

(3)
Apply
RHR-1,
the
magneti
c force
acting
on wire
1 is to
the left.

I2
left

F1

B2

right

(1)
Wire 2 carries
current I2
produce
magnetic field.
Magnetic field
produced by
wire 2 circulates
around it,
coming out of
the page at the
right of the wire
and entering 142
the
page at the left

As a result .
I1

F1

I2

F2

Wire 1 experiences force, F1 to the left

Wire 2 experiences force, F2 to the right.

Both wire repel each other.

143

Consider following diagram:

A current in wire 1 produces a
magnetic field B1 at location of wire
o I 1
2.
B1
2 d
Wire 2 experiences a magnetic
force of:

F B1 I 2 L
I
F (
)I L
2 d
o

Force per unit length:

F o I 1 I 2

L
2 d

144

Where F/L = Force perunit length

I1 = current in conductor 1
I2 = current in conductor 1
d = distance between the two conductor
0 = permeability of free space / vacuum

Using the same method, can

be show that the magnitude
of F/L for wire 1 is also given
by the above equation but in
opposite direction.
This is accordance with
Newtons 3rd law of motion.
Forces acting on wire 1 and 2 form an action
and reaction pair.
145

EXAMPLE 14
2 long, straight, parallel wires carry current in
the same direction.
(a)Determine whether the forces on the wire
are attractive or repulsive ?
(a) If the wires are 24 cm apart & carry
currents of 2 A & 4 A respectively, find the
force per unit length on each wire.
146

Solution
(a) currents flow in same direction
attractive forces
(b) The force per unit length on each wire :
F o I 1I 2

L
2 d

4 10 7 (2)(4)
2 (24 10 2 )

F
6.67 10 6 N m 1
L

147

Do you know what is Shinkansen?

Also known as the bullet
train
High speed railway lines in
Japan
Covers 2,387.7 km of lines
in maximum 240 300
km/h
World Record: 581 km/h in
2008.

How does this

happen?
Answer :
Using magnetic force

148

Official SI Definition of Ampere

The unit of electric current is
ampere.
The definition of one ampere was
based on the magnetic force between
parallel current-carrying
1A
1A
conductors .
F o I 1 I 2
From:

L
2 d
F F
1m

F 4 10 (1)(1)

1
2 (1)

F 2 10 7 N

1m
149

Official SI Definition of Ampere

150

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 13
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 labeled 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).
Answer : (b) 4.6106 N m1 ; (b) 8.98 A
151

4.6 Torque on a coil

Magnetic forces can exert a torque on a current
carrying coil and thus cause the coil to rotate.

154

Consider a rectangle coil which carrying a current I

in the presence of a uniform magnetic field B
directed parallel to the plane of the coil.

155

From : Magnetic force, F = BIL sin

No magnetic forces act on sides 1 & 3 because
these wires are parallel to the field. ( when
between I & B is 0 @ 180 , sin = 0 thus F = 0 )
Magnetic forces do act on sides 2 & 4 because
these sides are oriented perpendicular to the field.

I
I
in
y
l
p
Ap
g
:
1
R
H
R

F2
B

F4
I

156

F2 points into the page () ; F4 is out of page ()

( Top View )

line of
action

line of
action

2 forces point in opposite directions but are

not directed along the same line of action.
The coil experiences a net torque that tends
to rotate the coil clockwise about an axis.

157

When a current I exists in a coil of wire with N

turns, each of area A, in the presence of a
magnetic field of magnitude B:

N I A B

Normal A
The magnitude of net torque:

NIAB sin
Where is the angle between the magnetic field
B and the normal of the coil

158

Coil parallel to B :

90 sin 90 1
max NIAB

Coil perpendicular to B :

0 0 159

Whether it is a circular, square, triangle or

irregular coil, as long as it is a plane coil, the
torque is the same for the same N, I B and A.
Torque produced in coil not depends on the shape of
the coil. It only depends on the values of N, B, I and A.
160

EXAMPLE 15
A rectangle coil of dimensions 5.4 cm x 8.5
cm consists of 25 turns of wire and carries a
current of 15 mA. A 0.35 T magnetic field is
applied parallel to the plane of the coil.
Calculate the magnitude of the torque on
the coil when the field makes an angle of
30 with the plane of coil.

161

Solution
30

60

Using:

Angle
between
normal &
B

N I A B sin

25(15 10 )(5.4 10 )(8.5 10 )(0.35) sin 60

5.22 10 4 N m
162

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 14
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, and
c) at an angle of 75 to the field.
Answer : (a) 0 Nm ; (b) 18.3 Nm ; (c) 4.72 Nm
163

Application of Torque : Galvanometer

Working principles of a moving coil galvanometer

167

A galvanometer consists of a coil of wire loops on

an iron core that pivots between the pole faces of
a permanent magnet.
Attached to the coil is a spring.
With no current in the coil, the pointer is at zero.
When there is a current in the coil, the magnetic
field exerts a torque on the coil that is proportional
to the current.

NIAB sin

I ;

The coil turns (rotates).

168

As the coil turns, the spring supplies a counter

torque, which opposes magnetic field torque.
When the two torques in equilibrium, the pointer
indicates a deflection angle that is proportional
to the coil current.

169

Pointer attach
to the coil
moves and
show reading.
Torque produced by coil

Torque produced by spring

A galvanometer can therefore detect and

measure current.

170

4.7 Motion of charged particle in magnetic field

and electric field
Motion of a charged particle in the presence of
both magnetic field & electric field

171

When a charged particle with mass m, charge q

and speed v enters a region of space where the
magnetic field directed into the page & an electric
field directed downward, it experiences a
downward electric force, Fe and an upward
magnetic force, FB
Magnetic
Force

Electric
Force

172

When these forces balance , the particle moves in

a horizontal straight line through the fields.

Fe FB
qE qvB
E
v
B

* v is known as
selected velocity

Only particles with speeds equals to E/B can pass

through without being deflected by the fields.
Kinetic energy of the charged particle equals the
electric potential energy.
1
2

mv
qV
K U
2

173

Mass Spectrometer

FB
FB

Fe
174

Mass spectrometer utilizes a velocity selector to

produce particles with uniform speed, v.
With this velocity, the charged particles passes
through a slit and entering into a magnetic field B
which is perpendicular to the direction of the beam.
Upon entering the region, they experience
magnetic force, FB
Due to this magnetic force, particle move in a
circular path with radius r & strike at P.
175

FB Fc
mv 2
qvB
r

q
v

m rB

Knowing that v = E/B, substitute in above equation:

q
E
2
m rB

Charged particles with different masses strike the

photographic plate at different points.
176

Particles with larger mass travel in paths with

larger radius.

177

The charged particle experiences

a downward electric force, Fe and
an upward magnetic force, FB
When Fe = FB
v = E/B
Upon
entering
the magnetic
field, FB
moves
in straight
line
B, particle move in a semicircular
path & strike at P.
From: FB = Fc
q
E
2
m rB
where particle with larger mass
travel in larger circular arc.

178

EXAMPLE 16
A singly charged ion having a particular velocity is
selected using a magnetic field of 0.10 T perpendicular to
an electric field of 1103 V m-1. This same magnetic field
is used to deflect the ion which moves in a circular path
with a radius of 1.2 cm. What is the mass of the ion ?

179

Solution
From:

q
E
2
m rB
qrB
m
E

1.6 10

19

(1.2 10 )(0.1)
1 10

m 4.8 10 27 kg
180

EXAMPLE 17
In a mass spectrometer, the magnetic fields
and electric fields for selecting the velocity of
the ion are 0.56 T and 1.20 x 105 V m-1
respectively. The diameters of the circular
paths for the oxygen ions are 14.12 cm, 15.04
cm and 15.90 cm respectively. The charge of
each oxygen ions is 1.60 x 10-19 C. Calculate
the mass of each type of oxygen atoms?

181

Solution
In velocity selector,

Fe FB
qE qvB
E
v
B
5
1.2 10

0.56
5
-1
2.14 10 m s

In evacuated chamber,

FB Fc
2

mv
qvB
r
Bqr
m
v

(1)

182

Solution
Substitute in (1) for d1 = 14.12 cm, d2 = 15.04
cm and d3 = 15.90 cm
d1 = 14.12 cm

Bqr1
m1
v
2
19 14.12 10
0.56 1.6 10

m1
5
2.14 10

2.96 10

26

kg
183

Solution
d2 = 15.04 cm

Bqr2
m2
v
2
19 15.04 10
0.56 1.6 10

m3
5
2.14 10

3.15 10

26

kg
184

Solution
d3 = 15.90 cm

Bqr3
m3
v
2
19 15.90 10
0.56 1.6 10

m3
5
2.14 10

3.33 10

26

kg
185

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 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 speed of the electron.
b. the radius of the circular path.
c. the time required for the electron to
complete
one revolution.
(Given e/m = 1.761011 C kg-1, me = 9.111031 kg)
Answer : (a) 4.19 x 107 ms-1 (b) 0.595 m (c) 8.92x 10-8 s

186

FOLLOW UP EXERCISE 16
A 0.13 MV is applied across the plates of a mass
spectrometer to determine the velocity of
electrons which are detected with photographic
plate.
(a) Find the velocity of the electrons that
come out of the plates.
(b) The electrons are then entering evacuated
chamber under a centripetal force in a
circular path of radius 1.50 m. What is the
magnetic field used for this circular motion?
Answer : (a) 2.14 x 108 m s-1 (b) 8.12x 10-4 m s-1

190

Next Chapter

CHAPTER 5
Electromagneti
c induction
193