Pearson Physics 12 Queensland

Chapter 8 Magnetic fields

The answers to questions that involve calculations are given to the least number of significant figures as given in the
question. See page e26 in Chapter 1 for more details.

8.1 Magnets
8.1 KEY QUESTIONS

1 Permanent magnets are materials that hold magnetic properties over a long period of time, or indefinitely, such as
the magnets on your refrigerator. Temporary magnets are materials that temporarily gain magnetic properties when
exposed to a strong enough magnetic field, such as soft iron. Electromagnets are magnetic fields produced by running
an electric current through a coil of wire.
2 The magnetic force, like the electric force, is a non-contact force and operates over a distance. When magnets stick to
a refrigerator, the magnet and the refrigerator are bound on tiny distances but are nonetheless still not in contact with
each other.
3 It will point to Earth’s geographic north. The north pole of a magnet is short for ‘north-facing’ and will always point to
the Geographic North Pole.
4 All magnets are dipolar. Since cutting them in half does not separate the two poles from one another as distinct
monopoles, it is not possible to separate the north and south pole of a magnet and so magnets must be dipolar.
5 The object is attracted and repelled by the magnet. Both of these properties—attraction and repulsion—are necessary
to test its dipole nature.
6 a F decreases
b From Newton’s second law, F = ma, we see that since F decreases, a decreases.
c Since there is an attractive force between the magnets and d is getting smaller, the force between the magnets
increases. By Newton’s second law, the acceleration must therefore increase, i.e. the acceleration is not constant
between the magnets.

8.2 Magnetic field diagrams

8.2 KEY QUESTIONS

1 The direction of a magnetic field line indicates the direction of the force that would act on a single north pole at that
point.
2

3 The relative strength of a magnetic field is indicated by the density of its field lines at a particular point relative to the
density elsewhere in the diagram. The closer these lines are together, the stronger the field is at that point.

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 Pearson Physics 12 Queensland
4 A bar magnet will align itself with Earth’s magnetic field so that the north pole of the magnet points to magnetic North
Pole and the south pole of the magnet points to magnetic South Pole. The magnet and its field lines will be as shown.
S N

S N

5 The left magnet produces a field pointing towards east and the right magnet produces a field pointing towards west.
Point A is closer to the left magnet, so the left magnet’s field will be stronger than that of the right magnet, giving a
net field in the east direction.
6 west
7 zero field

8.3 Creating magnetic fields

Try yourself 8.3.1
DIRECTION OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD

A current-carrying wire runs along the length of a table. The conventional current direction, I, is running towards an
observer standing at the near end. Determine the direction of the magnetic field created by the current as seen by the
observer.

Thinking Working

Recall that the right-hand grip rule indicates the Hold your hand with your fingers positioned as if gripping the
direction of the magnetic field. wire while pointing your thumb in the direction of the current
flow.
thumb points in direction
of current flow

fingers point in direction

of magnetic field

current-carrying wire

Describe the direction of the field in terms of a The magnetic field direction is perpendicular to the wire. As
reference object or wire so that the description can the current travels along the wire, the magnetic field runs
be easily understood. anticlockwise around the wire.

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 Pearson Physics 12 Queensland
Try yourself 8.3.2
STRENGTH OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD

A current-carrying wire is suspended in mid-air. A current of 4.0 mA is passed through it. Calculate the magnitude of
the magnetic field at a distance of 43 mm from the wire. Ignore any effects from Earth’s magnetic field.

Thinking Working

Recall the formula giving the strength of a magnetic field B= µ 0I

2π r
from a current-carrying wire. Identify each variable with
the values given. I = 4.0 mA
r = 43 mm

Ensure that all units are in the appropriate form. SI units have current in amps and distance in metres.
4.0 mA = 0.0040 A = 4.0 × 10−3 A
43 mm = 4.3 × 10−2 m

Use the relevant quantities with their appropriate units in µ 0I 4π × 10−7 × 4.0 × 10−3
B= =
order to calculate the magnetic field. Give the final result 2π r 2π × 4.3 × 10−2
in units of tesla.
= 1.9 × 10−8 T

8.3 KEY QUESTIONS

1 A magnetic field represented by crosses is one that is directed into the page; one represented by dots is directed out
of the page.
2 A charged particle will induce an electric field by virtue of having charge. It will generate a magnetic field whenever it
is in motion.
3 Use the right-hand grip rule with your thumb in the direction of the current. The magnetic field lines will be
anticlockwise as shown.

N
S
I

µ 0I
4 a B= , so the magnetic field strength is inversely proportional to r. Hence if the distance is doubled, the magnetic
2π r
field strength becomes 1 B.
2

b Similarly, the magnetic field strength is proportional to I. Hence if the current is tripled, the magnetic field strength
would also triple at that point, i.e. to 3B.
5 Recall that the magnetic field strength is calculated using the shortest distance to a current-carrying wire. In this case,
CD is not the shortest distance. We can calculate the shortest distance from C to the wire, W, which is a straight line
downwards and meets the wire at right angles:
CW = 3.0 sin 45° = 2.12 cm = 0.0212 m
µ 0I 4π × 10−7 × 2.0
Thus B = = = 1.9 × 10−5 T.
2π r 2π × 0.0212

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 Pearson Physics 12 Queensland
µ I
6 Recall the formula B = 2π0r for the strength of a magnetic field around a current-carrying wire. Using B = 3.0 × 10−6 T
and r = 20 cm = 0.200 m:
µ 0I
B= = 3.0 × 10−6
2π r
3.0 × 10−6 × 2 × π × 0.200
I=
4π × 10−7
∴ I = 3.0 A

8.4 Solenoids
Try yourself 8.4.1
CALCULATING THE STRENGTH OF A MAGNETIC FIELD INSIDE A SOLENOID

a Calculate the strength of the magnetic field inside a 20.0 mm long solenoid that has 120 loops and a current of
1.2 mA flowing through it.

Thinking Working

Ensure that the variables are in their standard units. 20 mm = 0.020 m
1.2 mA = 0.0012 A

Apply the equation for magnetic field strength. B = µ0nI = µ0NI

L

Substitute in the correct values to determine the strength 4π × 10−7 × 120 × 0.0012
B=
of the magnetic field. 0.020

= 9.1 × 10−6 T

b Determine the direction of the magnetic field produced in the solenoid shown below, by sketching its field lines.

I I

Thinking Working

Align the fingers of your right hand in the same direction

as the current running through the solenoid and stick
your thumb out. The thumb will be in the direction of the
magnetic field from the solenoid.

I I

S N

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 Pearson Physics 12 Queensland

8.4 KEY QUESTIONS

1 A solenoid is a single wire coiled up with an electric current running through it. This allows the coiled wire to produce
a magnetic field similar to that of a bar magnet.
2 It can be increased by (1) inserting a piece of iron through the coil, (2) increasing the current through the coil or
(3) increasing the number of turns per metre in the coil.
3 From the relationship B = µ0NI = µ0nI, where N is the number of turns in the coil, we see that B and N are linearly
L
related so that, for example, doubling N will double the magnetic field B.
4 The end labelled A is the north pole. Use the right-hand grip rule to find the field in the solenoid.
5 The current of the two solenoids is travelling in the same direction and so, when we apply the right-hand grip rule to
the coils, we can see that their north and south poles lie at the same ends, and the two will therefore repel each other.
Another way of thinking about this is that if we examine the sections of wire travelling vertically upwards, at the closest
point to each coil, we see that the current of each wire is travelling in opposite directions. We know from Module 8.3
that two parallel wires (here, parallel at a section) with current in opposite directions repel each other.

I I

S S

N N

I I

6 Using the right-hand grip rule we can view the two solenoids as bar magnets with north and south poles, as shown
below.
d A

N S d
S
I I

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 Pearson Physics 12 Queensland
At point A, the two solenoids produce the same strength field in the directions shown below. Their vector addition is
therefore:
B1

B2
Bnet
(SW)
The resultant field points south-west.
7 I = 4.27mA = 4.2710−3 A
r = 3.00 cm = 0.0300m

B= µ0NI
L
4π × 10−7 × 4.27 × 10−3 × 120
= = 2.15 × 10−5 T
0.03
µ0NI
8 Use the formula B = .
L
LB 5.0 × 0.37 × 10−6
Rearrange it to express the current I as I = = = 0.15 A.
µ 0N 4π × 10−7 × 10
µ0NI
9 Use B = = µ0nI.
L
0.100 × 1.0053
Rearrange it in terms of N to give N = LB
= = 2.0 × 104 loops.
µ 0I 4π × 10−7 × 4.0
B 1.0053
You could also rearrange the formula in terms of n to give n = = = 2.0 × 105 loops per metre.
µ 0I 4π × 10−7 × 4.0

So the number of loops will be the loops per metre multiplied by the length = 2.0 × 105 × 0.100 = 2.0 × 104 loops.

8.5 Magnetic force on a current-carrying wire

Try yourself 8.5.1
MAGNITUDE OF THE FORCE ON A CURRENT-CARRYING WIRE

Determine the magnitude of the force due to Earth’s magnetic field that acts on 1.0 m of a suspended power line
running east–west near the equator at the moment it carries a current of 50.0 A from west to east. Assume that the
strength of Earth’s magnetic field at this point is 5.0 × 10−5 T.

B F

N E
W S

Thinking Working

Check the direction of the power line and determine As the current is running east–west and Earth’s magnetic
whether a force will apply. field runs north–south, the current and the field are at
Forces only apply to the component of the line right angles and a force will exist.
perpendicular to the magnetic field.

Establish which quantities are known and which are F=?

required. B = 5.0 × 10−5 T
I = 50.0 A
L = 1.0 m

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 Pearson Physics 12 Queensland

Substitute values into the force equation. F = BIL

= 5.0 × 10−5 × 50.0 × 1.0

Express the final answer in an appropriate form with a F = 2.5 × 10−3 N

suitable number of significant figures. Note that only
the magnitude has been requested, so do not include
direction.

Try yourself 8.5.2

DIRECTION OF THE FORCE ON A CURRENT-CARRYING WIRE

A current balance is used to measure the force from a magnetic field on a wire of length 5.0 cm running perpendicular
to the magnetic field. The conventional current direction in the wire is from left to right. The magnetic field can be
considered to be running out of the page. Determine the direction of the force on the wire.

Thinking Working

The right-hand slap rule is used to determine the Place your hand so that the fingers are pointing in the
direction of the force. direction of the magnetic field.
(fingers) (palm) (thumb) Point your thumb in the direction of the current.
field B force F I (positive charge) Your palm is facing downwards.

State the direction in terms of the other directions The force on the charge is acting vertically downwards.
included in the question. Make the answer as clear as
possible to avoid any misunderstanding.

Try yourself 8.5.3

FORCE ON A CURRENT-CARRYING WIRE AND DIRECTION

Santa’s house sits at a point that can be considered the Earth’s Magnetic North Pole (which behaves like the south
pole of a magnet).
Assume the strength of Earth’s magnetic field at this point is 5.0 × 10−5 T.

a Calculate the magnetic force and its direction on a 2.0 m length of wire carrying a conventional current of 10.0 A
vertically up the outside wall of Santa’s house.

Thinking Working

Forces only apply to the components of the wire running The section of the wire running up the wall of the building
perpendicular to the magnetic field. will be parallel to the magnetic field, B. Hence no force
The direction of the magnetic field at the Magnetic North will apply.
Pole will be almost vertically downwards.

State your answer. A numeric value is required. No F = 0 N

direction is required with a zero answer.

b Calculate the magnetic force and its direction on a 2.0 m length of wire carrying a conventional current of 10.0 A
running horizontally right to left across the outside of Santa’s house.

Forces only apply to the components of the wire running The section of the wire horizontally through the building
perpendicular to the magnetic field. will be perpendicular to the magnetic field, B. Hence, a
The direction of the magnetic field at the Magnetic North force will apply.
Pole will be almost vertically downwards.

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 Pearson Physics 12 Queensland

Identify the known quantities. F=?

B = 5.0 × 10−5 T
I = 10.0 A
L = 2.0 m

Substitute into the appropriate equation and calculate F = BIL

the force. = 5.0 × 10−5 × 10.0 × 2.0
= 1.0 × 10−3 N

The direction of the magnetic force is also required to Place your hand so that the fingers are pointing in the
fully specify the vector quantity. Determine the direction direction of the magnetic field.
of the magnetic force using the right-hand slap rule. Point your thumb in the direction of the current.
(fingers) (palm) (thumb)
field B force F I (positive charge) Your palm should be facing inwards (out from the house).
That is the direction of the force applied by the magnetic
field on the wire.

State the magnetic force in an appropriate form with F = 1.0 × 10−3 N out from Santa’s house as you are
a suitable number of significant figures and with the looking at it.
direction to fully specify the vector quantity.

Try yourself 8.5.4

FORCE ON A CURRENT-CARRYING WIRE AT AN ANGLE TO THE FIELD

Susie is investigating the force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field. She has a 0.15 m section of wire with
current 0.0500 A at an angle of 45° to a magnetic field of strength 2.5 × 10−3 T. Calculate the force she would expect to
detect on the wire.

Thinking Working

Identify the correct formula to use. Given that we are calculating the magnetic force acting
on a conductor at an angle other than 90° to a field, we
use the formula F = BIL sin θ.

Identify the known values. F=?

B = 2.5 × 10−3 T
I = 0.0500 A
L = 0.15 m
θ = 45°
Use the formula above with the known values to calculate F = BIL sin θ
the force. = 2.5 × 10−3 × 0.0500 × 0.15 × sin 45°
= 1.3 × 10−5 N

8.5 KEY QUESTIONS

1 The right-hand slap rule gives you the direction of a magnetic force acting on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic
field. Hold your palm flat, point your thumb in the direction of the current through the conductor and curl your fingers
in the direction of the magnetic field. Your palm will be facing the direction of the magnetic force.
2 a The force acting on a current-carrying wire is minimal when the wire is parallel to the field, i.e. when θ = 0°
or θ = 180°.
b It is maximised when the wire is perpendicular to the field, i.e. when θ = 90° or θ = 270°.

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 Pearson Physics 12 Queensland
3 The PQ section of the wire is running parallel to the magnetic field, B. Hence no force will apply. You can confirm this
using the right-hand slap rule. Try to align your hand so the fingers are pointing in the direction of the magnetic field,
i.e. to the right, and your thumb is pointing to the right. It is impossible to do this while still keeping both thumb and
fingers outstretched.
4 When a wire is at an angle to the field, the force acting on it is in the same direction as if it were perpendicular. Using
the right-hand slap rule with your thumb pointing up the page and fingers pointing to the right, we see that the force
acting on the wire is into the page.
5 a There would be no change in the direction of the force acting on the wire. Reducing the angle reduces the
magnitude of the magnetic force, but not its direction.
1
b Using F = BIL sin θ, changing sin θ to sin 30° = 2 reduces the force to half, but doubling the current cancels this out.
Hence there is no change in the magnitude of the force.
6 F = BIL
= 80 × 100 × 5.0 × 10−5
= 0.4 N
7 F = BIL
= 2.0 × 10−3 × 2 × 0.05
= 2.0 × 10−4 N
The force is 2.0 × 10−4 N north.
8 a F = BIL
= 50 × 80 × 4.5 × 10−5
= 0.18 N downwards
b The change in height has no effect on the perpendicular component of the magnetic field (south–north) and the
wire’s direction, so the force remains 0.18 N downwards.
9 Since parts of the wire are at an angle to the magnetic field, they will not all have equal forces acting on them. We split
the wire up into three sections and calculate the force acting on each section, and then add these up to obtain the
total force.
1 F1 = NBIL sinθ = 0.350 × 3.0 × 0.15 sin45° = 0.11N
2 F2 = NBIL = 1 × 0.350 × 3 × 0.30 = 0.32N
3 F3 = NBIL sinθ = 0.350 × 3.0 × 0.25 sin30° = 0.13N
So the total force F = F1 + F2 + F3 = 0.11 + 0.32 + 0.13 = 0.56N.
Then using the right-hand slap rule on the middle section, the direction of the force is out of the page.

8.6 Motors
8.6 KEY QUESTIONS

1 The turning force is a maximum when the force is applied at right angles to the axis of rotation.
2 F = BIL
= 0.10 × 2.0 × 0.05
= 1.0 × 10−2 N into the page
3 F = BIL
= 0.10 × 2.0 × 0.05
= 1.0 × 10−2 N out of the page
4 The force will be 0 N.
Side PQ is parallel to the magnetic field.
5 Considering the direction of the forces acting on sides PS and QR, the coil will rotate in an anticlockwise direction.
6 The direction of the current does not affect the magnitude of the torque, only its direction.
7 F = BIL
= 0.20 × 1.0 × 0.50
= 0.10 N

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8 Current flows into brush P and around the coil from V to X to Y to W. The force on side VX is down, the force on side
YW is up, so rotation is anticlockwise when viewed from the commutator side.
9 As F = BIL, the coil will experience more force, and rotate faster, if the current or field strength are increased. It will also
rotate faster if the length in the field is increased.

8.7 Magnetic force on a single charge

Try yourself 8.7.1
DIRECTION OF FORCE ON A NEGATIVELY CHARGED PARTICLE

A single, negatively charged particle with a charge of −1.6 × 10−19 C is travelling horizontally from left to right across a
computer screen and perpendicular to a magnetic field, B, that runs vertically down the screen. Describe the direction
in which the force experienced by the charge will act.

Thinking Working

The right-hand slap rule is used to determine the Place your hand so that your fingers are pointing
direction of the force on a positive charge. downwards in the direction of the magnetic field.
(fingers) (palm) (thumb) If the negatively charged particle is travelling from left
field B force F I (positive charge) to right, a positively charged particle would be moving
in the opposite direction, i.e. from right to left. Point
your thumb leftwards in the direction that a positive
charge would travel.
Your palm is facing inwards, which is the direction of the
force applied by the magnetic field on a negative charge.

Try yourself 8.7.2

MAGNITUDE OF FORCE ON A POSITIVELY CHARGED PARTICLE

A single, positively charged particle with a charge of +1.6 × 10−19 C travels at a velocity of 50.0 m s−1 perpendicular to a
magnetic field, B, of strength 6.0 × 10−5 T.
Determine the magnitude of the force the particle will experience from the magnetic field.

Thinking Working

Check the direction of the velocity and determine The particle is moving perpendicular to the field, so a
whether a force will apply. force will apply.
Forces only apply on the component of the velocity
perpendicular to the magnetic field.

Establish which quantities are known and which ones are   F = ?
required. q = +1.6 × 10−19 C
   v = 50.0 m s−1
B = 6.0 × 10−5 T

Substitute values into the force equation.   F = qvB

= +1.6 × 10−19 × 50.0 × 6.0 × 10−5

Express the final answer in an appropriate form with F = 4.8 × 10−22 N

appropriate significant figures. Note that only magnitude
has been requested so do not include direction.

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 Pearson Physics 12 Queensland
Try yourself 8.7.3
MAGNITUDE OF FORCE ON A POSITIVELY CHARGED PARTICLE AT AN ANGLE TO THE FIELD

A single, positively charged particle with a charge of 3.2 × 10−19 C travels at a velocity of 2.3 × 104 m s−1 at an angle of
45° to a magnetic field, B, of strength 5.0 T.
Calculate the magnitude of the force the particle will experience from the magnetic field.

Thinking Working
Establish which quantities are known and which ones are  F = ?
required. q = +3.2 × 10−19 C
  v = 2.3 × 104 m s−1
B = 5.0 T
  θ = 45°
Substitute values into the force-at-an-angle equation. F = qvB sin θ
= 3.2 × 10−19 × 2.3 × 104 × 5.0 × sin 45°

Express the final answer in an appropriate form. Note that F = 2.6 × 10−14 N
only magnitude has been requested so do not include
direction.

Try yourself 8.7.4

CALCULATING SPEED AND PATH RADIUS OF ACCELERATED CHARGED PARTICLES

An electron gun releases electrons from its cathode which are accelerated across a potential difference of 25 kV, over a
distance of 20.0 cm between a pair of charged parallel plates. Assume that the mass of an electron is 9.109 × 10−31 kg
and the magnitude of the charge on an electron is 1.60 × 10−19 C.

a Calculate the strength of the electric field acting on the electron beam.

Thinking Working

Ensure that the variables are in their standard units.        25 kV = 25 × 103 = 2.5 × 104 V
20 cm = 0.20 m

Apply the correct equation and solve for E. E= V

d
2.5 × 104
=
0.20

= 1.3 × 105 V m−1

b Calculate the speed of the electrons as they exit the electron gun.

Thinking Working

Apply the correct equation. 1

mv 2 = qv
2

Rearrange the equation to make v the subject. v= 2qV

m

Solve for v. 2 × 1.60 × 10−19 × 2.5 × 104

v=
9.109 × 10−31

= 9.4 × 107 m s−1

c The electrons then travel through a uniform magnetic field perpendicular to their motion. Calculate the expected
radius of the path of the electron beam, given that the strength of this field is 0.30 T.

Thinking Working

Apply the correct equation. mv

r=
qB

Solve for r. r= 9.109 × 10−31 × 9.4 × 107

1.60 × 10−19 × 0.3

= 1.8 × 10−3 m

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 Pearson Physics 12 Queensland

8.7 KEY QUESTIONS

1 F = qvB
where
q is the electric charge of the particle, in coulombs
v is the velocity at which the particle is travelling, in m s−1
B is the strength of the magnetic field in which the particle is travelling, in tesla.
2 When a charged particle is travelling parallel to a magnetic field, it will not experience a force, i.e. F = 0.
3 The radius of curvature of a charged particle in a magnetic field is given by r = mv . The radius of the curved path is
qB
linearly dependent on the velocity of the particle, so if the velocity is doubled, the radius will also be doubled.
4 The charged particle will continue to move in the direction in which it is currently moving. If a particle’s motion
changes, it has undergone an acceleration, which implies that a force has acted on it. As there is no magnetic field,
F = qvB = 0. So no force is acting on it and its motion cannot change. It continues in a straight line with the same speed.
5 Magnetic fields only exert forces on charges travelling perpendicular to their direction. When a charged particle is
travelling at an angle to the magnetic field, there is still some component of the particle’s velocity that is perpendicular
to the field. This perpendicular component is given by v sin θ, hence the force is qvB sin θ. The component of velocity
that is parallel to the field is v cos θ, and contributes nothing to the force acting on the particle.
6 a Using the right-hand slap rule, the palm of the hand will be pointing downwards. Given the compass directions
provided, this indicates that the force will be south.
b The path followed is the arc of a circle while the particle is inside the field, and a straight line when it is outside the field.
c Since the magnitude of v is constant and energy is a scalar quantity, the kinetic energy remains constant.
d Path A. The palm of the hand will be pointing upwards, indicating that the force will be north, based on the
compass directions provided. The particle will curve upwards.
e Particles with no charge, e.g. neutrons, could follow path B.
7 Charged particles experience a force from the magnetic field that is proportional to the particle’s velocity, constantly
accelerating the particle. This force is always perpendicular to the magnetic field and related to the velocity of the
particle, hence causing the net force to be towards the centre of a circle of radius r, where r = mv .
qB
8 The force acts vertically downwards. Using the right-hand slap rule with the fingers pointing right and the thumb
pointing inwards in the direction of the motion of the charge, the palm is pointing vertically downwards.
9 F = qvB
= 1.6 × 10−19 × 0.500 × 2 × 10−5
= 1.6 × 10−24 N
10 The electron enters at an angle, so we use the formula for moving charges at an angle to the magnetic field,
F = qvB sin θ.
The magnetic field is acting in a north-easterly direction, and the charge is travelling east, so θ = 45°.
F = 1.60 × 10−19 × 1.0 × 1.5 × 10−5 × sin 45° = 1.7 × 10−24 N
The direction given by the right-hand slap rule will be downwards.
11 The velocity of the particle is parallel to the magnetic field, so the force on the particle will be F = 0 N.
mv
12 The radius of the path of a charged particle travelling at right angles to a uniform magnetic field is given by r = .
qB
This can be rearranged to make B the subject: B = mv .
qr
9.109 × 10−31 × 7.6 × 106
Substituting the given values therefore gives B = = 4.7 × 10−4 T .
1.60 × 10−19 × 9.2 × 10−2
13 F = qvB
= 1.60 × 10−19 × 2.0 × 107 × 1.5 × 10−5
= 4.8 × 10−17 N south
14 The force would double when the velocity doubles. The magnitude of the force becomes 2F. The direction of the force
is north.
15 The force of deflection of a particle at an angle to the magnetic field is F = qvB sin θ. Rearrange this to
q = F and apply Newton’s second law, F = ma: q = vBma sinθ
. Substitute in the values in the question to obtain
vB sinθ
2.03 × 10−26 × 4.88 × 1015
q= = 4.8 × 10−19 C .
1.8 × 108 × 2.0 × sin35°

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