Colonel Frank Seely School

3.7.5.1 Magnetic Flux Density

Q1.The diagram shows a rigidly-clamped straight horizontal current-carrying wire held mid-way
between the poles of a magnet on a top-pan balance. The wire is perpendicular to the
magnetic field direction.

The balance, which was zeroed before the switch was closed, read 161 g after the switch
was closed. When the current is reversed and doubled, what would be the new reading on
the balance?

A −322 g

B −161 g

C zero

D 322 g
(Total 1 mark)

Q2.Four rectangular loops of wire A, B, C and D are each placed in a uniform magnetic field of
the same flux density B. The direction of the magnetic field is parallel to the plane of the
loops as shown.

When a current of 1 A is passed through each of the loops, magnetic forces act on them.
The lengths of the sides of the loops are as shown.
Which loop experiences the largest couple?

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A B C D

(Total 1 mark)

Q3. A horizontal straight wire of length 0.30 m carries a current of 2.0 A perpendicular to a
horizontal uniform magnetic field of flux density 5.0 × 10–2 T. The wire ‘floats’ in equilibrium
in the field.

What is the mass of the wire?

A 8.0 × 10–4 kg

B 3.1 × 10–3 kg

C 3.0 × 10–2 kg

D 8.2 × 10–1 kg

(Total 1 mark)

Q4.(a) Figure 1 shows a negative ion which has a charge of –3e and is free to move in a uniform
electric field. When the ion is accelerated by the field through a distance of 63 mm parallel
to the field lines its kinetic energy increases by 4.0 × 10sup class="xsmall">–16 J.

Figure 1

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(i) State and explain the direction of the electrostatic force on the ion.

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(2)

(ii) Calculate the magnitude of the electrostatic force acting on the ion.

magnitude of electrostatic force ........................................ N

(2)

(iii) Calculate the electric field strength.

electric field strength .................................. NC –1

(1)

(b) Figure 2 shows a section of a horizontal copper wire carrying a current of 0.38 A.
A horizontal uniform magnetic field of flux density B is applied at right angles to the
wire in the direction shown in the figure.

Figure 2

(i) State the direction of the magnetic force that acts on the moving electrons in
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the wire as a consequence of the current and explain how you arrive at your
answer.

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(2)

(ii) Copper contains 8.4 × 1028 free electrons per cubic metre. The section of wire
in Figure 2 is 95 mm long and its cross-sectional area is 5.1 × 10–6 m2.
Show that there are about 4 × 1022 free electrons in this section of wire.

(1)

(iii) With a current of 0.38 A, the average velocity of an electron in the wire is5.5 ×
10–6 m s–1 and the average magnetic force on one electron is 1.4 × 10–25 N.
Calculate the flux density B of the magnetic field.

flux density ......................................... T

(2)
(Total 10 marks)

Q5.The diagram shows a vertical square coil whose plane is at right angles to a horizontal
uniform magnetic field B. A current, I, is passed through the coil, which is free to rotate
about a vertical axis OO'.

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Which one of the following statements is correct?

A The forces on the two vertical sides of the coil are equal and opposite.

B A couple acts on the coil.

C No forces act on the horizontal sides of the coil.

D If the coil is turned through a small angle about OO' and released, it will remain in
position.
(Total 1 mark)

Q6.A rectangular coil is rotating anticlockwise at constant angular speed with its axle at right
angles to a uniform magnetic field. Figure 1 shows an end-on view of the coil at a
particular instant.

Figure 1

(a) At the instant shown in Figure 1, the angle between the normal to the plane of the
coil and the direction of the magnetic field is 30°.

(i) State the minimum angle, in degrees, through which the coil must rotate from
its position in Figure 1 for the emf to reach its maximum value.

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angle ................................. degrees
(1)

(ii) Calculate the minimum angle, in radians, through which the coil must rotate
from its position in Figure 1 for the flux linkage to reach its maximum value.

angle ................................. radians

(2)

(b) Figure 2 shows how, starting in a different position, the flux linkage through the coil
varies with time.

(i) What physical quantity is represented by the gradient of the graph shown in
Figure 2?

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) Calculate the number of revolutions per minute made by the coil.

revolutions per minute ..............................................

(2)

Figure 2

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Figure 3

(iii) Calculate the peak value of the emf generated.

peak emf ......................................... V

(3)

(c) Sketch a graph on the axes shown in Figure 3 above to show how the induced emf
varies with time over the time interval shown in Figure 2.
(2)

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(d) The coil has 550 turns and a cross-sectional area of 4.0 × 10 m . –3 2

Calculate the flux density of the uniform magnetic field.

flux density .......................................... T

(2)
(Total 13 marks)

Q7.A horizontal straight wire of length 40 mm is in an east-west direction as shown in the

diagram. A uniform magnetic field of flux density 50 mT is directed downwards into the
plane of the diagram.

When a current of 5.0 A passes through the wire from west to east, a horizontal force acts
on the wire. Which line, A to D, in the table gives the magnitude and direction of this
force?

magnitude / mN direction

A 2.0 north

B 10.0 north

C 2.0 south

D 10.0 south

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(Total 1 mark)

Q8. A section of current-carrying wire is placed at right angles to a uniform magnetic field
of flux density B. When the current in the wire is I, the magnetic force that acts on this
section is F.

What force acts when the same section of wire is placed at right angles to a uniform
magnetic field of flux density 2B when the current is 0.25 I?

C F

D 2F
(Total 1 mark)

Q9. A horizontal straight wire of length 0.30 m carries a current of 2.0 A perpendicular to a
horizontal uniform magnetic field of flux density 5.0 × 10–2 T. The wire ‘floats’ in equilibrium
in the field.

What is the mass of the wire?

A 8.0 × 10–4 kg

B 3.1 × 10–3 kg

C 3.0 × 10–2 kg

D 8.2 × 10–1 kg
(Total 1 mark)

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Q10. The figure below shows a horizontal wire, held in tension between fixed points at P
and Q. A short section of the wire is positioned between the pole pieces of a permanent
magnet, which applies a uniform horizontal magnetic field at right angles to the wire.
Wires connected to a circuit at P and Q allow an electric current to be passed through the
wire.

(a) (i) State the direction of the force on the wire when there is a direct current from
P to Q, as shown in the figure above.

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(1)

(ii) In a second experiment, an alternating current is passed through the wire.

Explain why the wire will vibrate vertically.

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(3)

(b) The permanent magnet produces a uniform magnetic field of flux density 220 mT
over a 55 mm length of the wire. Show that the maximum force on the wire is about
40 mN when there is an alternating current of rms value 2.4 A in it.

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(3)

(c) The length of PQ is 0.40 m. When the wire is vibrating, transverse waves are
propagated along the wire at a speed of 64 m s–1. Explain why the wire is set into
large amplitude vibration when the frequency of the a.c. supply is 80 Hz.

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(3)
(Total 10 marks)

Q11. The diagram shows a rigidly-clamped straight horizontal current-carrying wire held
mid-way between the poles of a magnet on a top pan balance. The wire is perpendicular
to the magnetic field direction.

The balance, which was zeroed before the switch was closed, reads 112 g after the switch
is closed. If the current is reversed and doubled, what will be the new reading on the
balance?

A –224 g

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B –112 g

C zero

D 224 g
(Total 1 mark)

Q12. Which one of the following could not be used as a unit of force?

A ATm

B Ws –2

C kg m s –2

D Jm –1

(Total 1 mark)

Q13.

A coil, mounted on an axle, has its plane parallel to the flux lines of a uniform magnetic
field B, as shown. When a current I is switched on, and before the coil is allowed to move,

A there are no forces due to B on the sides PQ and RS.

B there are no forces due to B on the sides SP and QR.

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C sides SP and QR attract each other.

D sides PQ and RS attract each other.

(Total 1 mark)

Q14. (a) Complete the table of quantities related to fields. In the second column, write an
SI unit for each quantity. In the third column indicate whether the quantity is a scalar
or a vector.

quantity SI unit scalar or vector

gravitational potential

electric field strength

magnetic flux density

(3)

(b) (i) A charged particle is held in equilibrium by the force resulting from a vertical
electric field. The mass of the particle is 4.3 × 10 kg and it carries a charge of
–9

magnitude 3.2 × 10 C. Calculate the strength of the electric field.

–12

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(ii) If the electric field acts upwards, state the sign of the charge carried by the
particle

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(3)
(Total 6 marks)

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Q15. (a) The equation F = BIl, where the symbols have their usual meanings, gives the
magnetic force that acts on a conductor in a magnetic field.

Given the unit of each of the quantities in the equation.

F .............................. B ..............................

I .............................. l ...............................

State the condition under which the equation applies.

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(2)

(b) The diagram shows a horizontal copper bar of 25 mm × 25 mm square cross-

section and length l carrying a current of 65 A.

(i) Calculate the minimum value of the flux density of the magnetic field in which it
should be placed if its weight is to be supported by the magnetic force that
acts upon it.

density of copper = 8.9 × 10 kg m 3 –3

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(ii) Draw an arrow on the diagram above to show the direction in which the
magnetic field should be applied if your calculation in part (i) is to be valid.
Label this arrow M.
(5)
(Total 7 marks)

Q16. The diagram shows a vertical square coil whose plane is at right angles to a
horizontal uniform magnetic field B. A current, I, flows in the coil, which can rotate about a
vertical axis OO’.

Which one of the following statements is correct?

A The forces on the two vertical sides of the coil are equal and opposite.

B A couple acts on the coil.

C No forces act on the horizontal sides of the coil.

D If the coil is turned through a small angle about OO’, it will remain in position.
(Total 1 mark)

Q17.

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A wire lies perpendicularly across a horizontal uniform magnetic field of flux density 20 ×
10−3 T so that 0.30 m of the wire is effectively subjected to the field. If the force exerted on
this length of wire due to a current in it is 30 × 10−3 N downward, what is the current in the
wire?

A 0.45 A from P to Q

B 0.45 A from Q to P

C 5.0 A from P to Q

D 5.0 A from Q to P
(Total 1 mark)

Q18.(a) A satellite moves in a circular orbit at constant speed. Explain why its speed does not
change even though it is acted on by a force.

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(3)

(b) At a certain point along the orbit of a satellite in uniform circular motion, the Earth’s
magnetic flux density has a component of 56 μT towards the centre of the Earth and
a component of 17 μT in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the orbit.

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(i) Calculate the magnitude of the resultant magnetic flux density at this point.

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(ii) The satellite has an external metal rod pointing towards the centre of the
Earth.
Calculate the angle between the direction of the resultant magnetic field and
the rod.

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(iii) Explain why an emf is induced in the rod in this position.

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(4)
(Total 7 marks)

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Q19.Which line, A to D, gives correct units for both magnetic flux and magnetic flux density?

magnetic flux magnetic flux density

A Wb m−2 Wb

B Wb T

C Wb m−2 T m−2

D T m−2 Wb m−2

(Total 1 mark)

Q20.

A coil, mounted on an axle, has its plane parallel to the flux lines of a uniform magnetic
field B, as shown. When a current I is switched on, and before the coil is allowed to move,

A there are no forces due to B on the sides SP and QR.

B there are no forces due to B on the sides PQ and RS.

C sides SP and QR tend to attract each other.

D sides PQ and RS tend to attract each other.

(Total 1 mark)

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Q21.The diagram shows a magnet placed on a top-pan balance. A fixed horizontal wire,
through which a current can flow, passes centrally through the magnetic field parallel to
the pole-pieces. With no current flowing, the balance records a mass of 201.32 g. When a
current of 5.0 A flows, the reading on the balance is 202.86 g.

(a) (i) Explain why the reading on the balance increased when the current was
switched on.

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(ii) State the direction of current flow and explain your answer.

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(iii) If the length of the wire in the magnetic field is 60 mm, estimate the flux density
of the magnetic field.

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(6)

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(b) Sketch a graph to show how you would expect the balance reading to change if the
current through the wire was changed.

(2)
(Total 8 marks)

Q22.

The diagram shows a wire carrying a current, I, in the plane of the paper and in the south
direction. A magnetic field is applied perpendicularly to the paper and acts into the paper.
What is the direction of the force acting on the wire?

A north

B south

C east

D west
(Total 1 mark)

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Q23.The diagram shows a metal rod suspended in a magnetic field by two vertical conducting
springs. The cell and rod have negligible resistance. When the switch S is closed the
effect of the magnetic field is to displace the rod vertically a distance y.

When both the spring constant and electrical resistance of each spring is doubled, closing
the switch would now cause the rod to be displaced a distance

C y

D 4y

(Total 1 mark)

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M1.A
[1]

M2.B
[1]

M3.B
[1]

M4.(a) (i) force acts towards left or in opposite direction to field lines ✓
because ion (or electron) has negative charge
(∴ experiences force in opposite direction to field) ✓
Mark sequentially.
Essential to refer to negative charge (or force on + charge is
to right) for 2 mark.
nd

(ii) (use of W = F s gives) force F = ✓

= 6.3(5) × 10 (N) ✓
–15

If mass of ion m is used correctly using algebra with F =

ma, allow both marks (since m will cancel). If numerical
value for m is used, max 1.
2

(iii) electric field strength = 1.3(2) ✓ 10 (N C ) ✓

4 -1

[or (833 V)

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= 1.3(2) ✓ 10 (V m ) ✓ ]
4 -1

Allow ECF from wrong F value in (ii).

1

(b) (i) (vertically) downwards on diagram ✓

reference to Fleming’s LH rule or equivalent statement ✓
Mark sequentially.
1 point: allow “into the page”.
st

(ii) number of free electrons in wire = A × l × number density

= 5.1 × 10 × 95 × 10 × 8.4 × 10 = 4.1 (4.07) × 10 ✓
–6 –3 28 22

Provided it is shown correctly to at least 2SF, final answer

alone is sufficient for the mark. (Otherwise working is
mandatory).
1

(iii) ✓ = 0.16 (0.159) (T) ✓

[or ✓ = 0.16 (0.158) (T) ✓ ]

In 2 method allow ECF from wrong number value in (ii).

nd

2
[10]

M5.A
[1]

M6.(a) (i) 60 (degrees)

1

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(ii) angle required is 150°

which is 5 / 6 [or 2.6(2)] (radians)

Correct answer in radians scores both marks.
2

(b) (i) (magnitude of the induced) emf

Accept “induced voltage” or “rate of
change of flux linkage”, but not
“voltage” alone.
1

(ii)

no of revolutions per minute = 25 × 60 = 1500

1500 scores both marks.
Award 1 mark for 40s → 1.5 rev min . −1

(iii) maximum flux linkage (=BAN) = 0.55 (Wb turns)

peak emf (= BANω) = 0.55 × 157 = 86(.4) (V)

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