AC vs DC

Description of the Experiment

Observing the magnetic effect of current due to AC and DC using a bulb with soft filament and a bar magnet.

Introduction:

The laws of electromagnetism state that electric charges and magnetic fields
are closely intertwined, with the movement of charged particles generating a
surrounding magnetic field. One example of this is current-carrying wires; as N S
currents are the movement of electrons, which are negatively charged
particles, their movement throughout the wire generates a magnetic field
around the wire. If a strong magnet is brought near the current carrying wire,
it will either gets attracted or repulsed depending up on the polarity of the
magnet and the direction of current flowing through it.

In this experiment, we will demonstrate the magnetic effect of current due to AC and
DC using a bulb with soft filament and a bar magnet.

Activity: Observation:

1. Connect the soft filament bulb to the DC power supply.
2. Bring the bar magnet near the bulb.
3. Repeat the same by connecting the bulb to the AC
power supply.
4. Observe the motion of the filament in both the cases.
Observe that
1. When DC power is given, filaments get attracted(or
repulsed) in one direction.
2. When AC power is given, filaments get attracted
and repulsed periodically executing a periodic motion.

Questions: Homework:
Think and Answer: Answer the following questions.
1. Suppose the filament is attracted when DC power is
given and North pole of the magnet was towards the 1. Compare and contrast Biot-Savart law in magnetostatics
filament. If we change the polarity of the magnet, what with Coulomb’s law in electrostatics.
will happen. 2. If a current is passed through a spring, does the spring
2. If we change the direction of the DC then what will stretch or compress? Explain.
happen after changing the polarity of the magnet, then 3. Two concentric, coplanar circular loops of different
what will happen diameters carry steady currents in the same direction. Do
3. When AC power is given, the motion of the filament is the loops attract or repel each other? Explain.
to and fro. Explain. 4. Suppose three infinitely long parallel wires are arranged in
such a way that when looking at the cross section, they are
Points to ponder: at the corners of an equilateral triangle. Can currents
1. A magnet at rest produces magnetic field around it while an be arranged (combination of flowing in or out of the page) so
electric charge at rest produces an electric field around it. that all three wires
2. A current carrying conductor has a magnetic field and not an (a) attract, and (b) repel each other? Explain.
electric field around it.
3. An electric field can not be produced without a charge
whereas a magnetic field can be produced without a magnet.
4. No poles are produced in a coil carrying current but such a
coil shows north and south polarity.
5. All oscillating or accelerated charge produces
electromagnetic waves in addition to electric and magnetic
fields.

Explore:
A long copper rod of radius a has an off-center cylindrical
hole through its entire length, as shown in Figure. The
conductor carries a current I which is directed out of the
page and is uniformly distributed throughout the cross
section. Find the magnitude and direction of the magnetic
field at the point P.