Magnetic Field

Short Questions
1) Why are the pole pieces of magnets cut into cylindrical
form in a galvanometer? NEB-2078

SOLUTION
The pole pieces of magnets are cut into cylindrical form in a
galvanometer to provide a radial magnetic field in the air gap between
them. The magnetic lines of force within the air gap are along the
radii of the cylinder, so that the plane of the coil always remains
parallel to the direction of the magnetic field.

As a result, the torque acting on the coil remains constant for all
positions of the coil. This increases the sensitivity of the galvanometer
and makes it a dead-beat galvanometer.

2) Can a constant magnetic field set an electron at rest

into motion? Explain. NEB-2076

SOLUTION
No, a constant magnetic field cannot set an electron at rest into
motion.

The force experienced by a charged particle (like an electron) moving

in a magnetic field is given by

F = Bqv sin θ

where,
B = magnetic field,
q = charge of the particle,
v = velocity of the particle,
θ = angle between B and v.

If the electron is at rest, then v = 0 . Hence,

F = 0

This means no force acts on the electron. Therefore, a constant

magnetic field cannot set an electron at rest into motion.

3) Why are the pole pieces of magnets cut into cylindrical

form in a galvanometer? NEB-2078

SOLUTION
The pole pieces of magnets are cut into cylindrical form in a
galvanometer to provide a radial magnetic field in the air gap between
them.
The magnetic lines of force in the air gap are along the radii of the
cylinder, so that the coil always remains parallel to the direction of
the magnetic field.
This provides a constant moment of couple on the coil, increases the
sensitivity of the galvanometer, and makes it a dead-beat
galvanometer.

4) Can a constant magnetic field set an electron at rest

into motion? Explain. NEB-2076

SOLUTION
No, a constant magnetic field cannot set an electron at rest into
motion.
The force experienced by a charged particle in a magnetic field is given
by,

F = Bqv sin θ

where B is magnetic field, q is charge of particle, v is velocity of

particle, and θ is the angle between B and v.
If the electron is at rest, v = 0 , hence F = 0 . Therefore, no force acts
on the electron and it cannot be set into motion by a constant
magnetic field.

5) What do you mean by Hall effect? Why is it more

effective in semiconductors? NEB-2076

SOLUTION
Hall Effect: When a magnetic field is applied to a conductor carrying
current, a transverse voltage is developed across the specimen in a
direction perpendicular to both the current and the magnetic field.
This phenomenon is called Hall effect.
The Hall voltage is given by,

BI
VH =
net

where B is magnetic field, I is current, n is electron concentration, e

is electronic charge, and t is thickness of the conductor.

Since the number of charge carriers n is much smaller in
semiconductors than in conductors, the Hall voltage is larger in
semiconductors.
Hence, Hall effect is more effective in semiconductors.

6) An electron beam and a proton beam are moving parallel

to each other in the beginning. Do they always maintain
this status? Justify your answer. NEB-2076

SOLUTION
An electron beam and a proton beam moving parallel initially do not
always maintain this status.
At low speeds, the electrostatic force dominates over the magnetic
force, and since electrons and protons have opposite charges, they
attract each other and come closer.
At high speeds, the magnetic force dominates over the electrostatic
force, and the beams behave like two current-carrying conductors with
currents in opposite directions.
Hence, they repel each other and move farther apart.

7) How will the magnetic field intensity at the centre of a

circular coil carrying current change, if the current through
the coil is doubled and the radius of the coil is halved?
NEB-2076
SOLUTION
The magnetic field intensity at the centre of a circular coil is given by,

μ0 N I
B =
2r

If current is doubled, I
′
= 2I , and radius is halved, r
′
=
r

2
.
Then,

μ 0 N (2I )
′
B = = 4B
2(r/2)

Thus, the magnetic field intensity becomes four times the original
value.

8) Can a charged particle move through a magnetic field

without experiencing any force? Explain. NEB-2076

SOLUTION
Yes, a charged particle can move through a magnetic field without
experiencing any force.
The magnetic force acting on a charged particle is given by,

F = Bqv sin θ

If the velocity of the particle is parallel to the magnetic field, then

θ = 0
∘
and sin θ = 0 .
Hence, F = 0 , and the charged particle moves without experiencing
any magnetic force.

9) Equal currents are flowing through two infinitely long

parallel wires. What will be the magnetic field at a point
mid-way, when the currents are flowing (i) in the same
direction (ii) in the opposite direction? NEB-2075

SOLUTION
Let two conductors X and Y carry equal current I in the same
direction. The magnetic field at point P due to conductor X is

μ0 I
B =
2πr

By right hand thumb rule, the field is

inward to the plane of paper.

Similarly, the magnetic field at P due to

conductor Y is

μ0 I
B =
2πr

but directed outward to the plane of paper.

The magnetic fields are equal and opposite, so they cancel each other.
Hence, magnetic field at mid-point is zero when currents flow in the
same direction.

When currents flow in opposite directions, the magnetic fields at the

mid-point are in the same direction and hence add up. Therefore, the
magnetic field at the mid-point is

μ0 I μ0 I
B = 2 × =
2πr πr

10) How can the sensitivity of a moving coil galvanometer

be increased? Explain. NEB-2073

SOLUTION
The sensitivity of a moving coil galvanometer can be increased by:
i. Making the pole pieces of magnet concave.
ii. Using a cylindrical soft iron core.
iii. Making the magnetic field radial.

11) A charge particle carrying a charge q moves in an

electric field E . If its specific charge is S , write an
expression of its acceleration in terms of above entities.
NEB-2073
SOLUTION
The force acting on a charge q in an electric field E is

F = qE

Acceleration,

F qE
a = =
m m

Since specific charge S =

m
q
,

a = SE

12) Magnetic field at the centre of a solenoid is double

than that at its ends. Why? NEB-2073

SOLUTION
The magnetic field at a point on the axis of a solenoid is given by

μ 0 nI
B = (cos θ 1 − cos θ 2 )
2

where μ0 is magnetic permeability of free space, n is number of turns

per unit length and I is the current in solenoid.

At the centre of solenoid, θ1 = 0 and θ2 = π ,

μ 0 nI
BC = [1 − (−1)] = μ 0 nI
2

At the end of solenoid, θ 1 = 90

∘
and θ2 = π ,

μ 0 nI
BE =
2

Hence,

B C = 2B E

Therefore, the magnetic field at the centre of solenoid is double than

that at its ends.

13) Does a charged particle moving through a magnetic field

always experience a force? Explain. NEB-2072

SOLUTION
No, a charged particle moving through a magnetic field does not
always experience a force.

The magnetic force acting on a moving charged particle in a magnetic

field is given by,

F = Bqv sin θ

where q is the charge of the particle, v is its velocity and θ is the

angle between velocity and magnetic field.

When θ = 0
∘
, i.e., the velocity is parallel to the magnetic field,
sin θ = 0 , hence

F = 0

Therefore, the charged particle experiences no force.

14) How will an electron move in a homogeneous magnetic

field if the velocity of the electron at the initial moment
forms an angle θ with the force lines of the field? NEB-2072

SOLUTION
The magnetic force acting on an electron moving in a homogeneous
magnetic field is given by,

F = Bev sin θ

where B is magnetic flux density.

Due to the presence of velocity components both parallel and

perpendicular to the magnetic field, the electron follows a spiral
(helical) path in the magnetic field.

15) A uniform magnetic field directed upward exists in some

region of space. In what directions could an electron be
moving if its trajectory is (a) a straight line (b) a circle?
NEB-2071
SOLUTION
(a) If the trajectory is a straight line, the electron must be moving
parallel to the magnetic field so that the magnetic force is zero.

(b) If the trajectory is a circle, the electron must be moving

perpendicular to the magnetic field so that the magnetic force provides
the required centripetal force.

16) If a magnetic force does no work on charged particles,

how can it have any effect on the particles' motion?
NEB-2070
SOLUTION
A magnetic force acts perpendicular to the velocity of the charged
particle.

Since the force and displacement are perpendicular, the work done,
∘
W = F s cos 90 = 0

Hence, magnetic force does no work but continuously changes the

direction of motion, producing circular or helical motion.

17) What will be the effect if the magnetic field in a

moving coil galvanometer is not radial? NEB-2068

SOLUTION
If the magnetic field is not radial, the plane of the coil does not
remain parallel to the magnetic field.

As a result:

The torque does not remain constant.

The sensitivity of the galvanometer decreases.
The galvanometer is not dead-beat.
The current is not measured accurately.

18) How is magnetic field made radial in a moving coil

galvanometer? NEB-2061

SOLUTION
In a moving coil galvanometer, the magnetic field is made radial by:

Using concave pole pieces of the magnet.

Placing a soft iron cylindrical core between the pole pieces.

This makes the deflection directly proportional to the current, giving a

uniform scale.

19) Why is the cylindrical core of soft iron used in a moving

coil galvanometer? NEB-2060

SOLUTION
The cylindrical core of soft iron is used because:

It produces a radial magnetic field.

It makes the galvanometer dead-beat.
It increases the sensitivity of the galvanometer.

As a result, the scale becomes uniformly divided.

20) A proton moving in a straight line enters a strong

magnetic field along the field direction. How will its path
and velocity change? NEB-2057

SOLUTION
The magnetic force on a proton is given by,

F = Bqv sin θ

Since the proton moves along the magnetic field direction, θ = 0

∘
,
hence F = 0 .

Therefore, the proton continues moving in a straight line with

unchanged velocity.

21) Does a charged particle moving through a magnetic field

experience a force? Express the conditions for maximum and
minimum force. NEB-2055

SOLUTION
Yes, a charged particle moving through a magnetic field experiences a
force given by,

F = Bqv sin θ

where θ is the angle between velocity and magnetic field.

Minimum force:
When θ = 0
∘
, F = 0 .

Maximum force:
When θ = 90
∘
, F = Bqv .

22) Under what conditions does a charge affect a magnet?

NEB-2054
SOLUTION
A charge affects a magnet only when it is moving.

A fast moving charge produces a magnetic field and experiences a

magnetic force given by,

F = Bqv sin θ

Hence, a moving charge can interact with and affect a magnet.

Long Questions
1) Two parallel wires X and Y carrying currents I1 and I2

are placed in air at a distance r apart as shown in figure.

(i) Obtain an expression for the magnitude of force per unit
length between them.
(ii) What is the nature of force in this case?
(iii) What will be the force per unit length between two
wires if distance between wires is halved, keeping all other
quantities constant? NEB-2082

SOLUTION
Consider two infinitely long parallel conductors X and Y carrying
currents I1 and I2 respectively and separated by distance r.

Magnetic field at conductor Y due to current I1 in conductor X is,

μ0 I1
B1 =
2πr

Force per unit length on conductor Y due

to this magnetic field is,

F
= B1 I2
l

Substituting the value of B1 ,

F μ0 I1 I2
=
l 2πr

Similarly, force per unit length on conductor X due to conductor Y is

same in magnitude.

Hence, force per unit length between two parallel current carrying
conductors is,

F μ0 I1 I2
=
l 2πr

(ii) The force between the two conductors

carrying currents in the same direction is
attractive.

(iii) From the expression,

F 1
∝
l r

If distance between the wires is halved,

the force per unit length becomes double.

2) Use Ampere's circuital law to find the magnetic field

due to a straight current carrying conductor. NEB-2082

SOLUTION
→ around
Ampere’s Circuital Law: The line integral of magnetic field B
any closed path is equal to μ0 times the total current enclosed by the
path.

Mathematically,

∮
→
B ⋅ dl = μ 0 I
→

Consider a long straight conductor carrying current I . Let us find the

magnetic field at a point P at a distance r from the conductor.

Choose a circular Amperian loop of radius r around the conductor. The

magnitude of magnetic field B

→ is
is constant along the loop and B
parallel to d→
l.

Therefore,

∮
→
B ⋅ dl = B ∮
→ dl = B(2πr)

Using Ampere’s law,

B(2πr) = μ 0 I

Hence,

μ0 I
B =
2πr

This is the expression for the magnetic

field due to a long straight current carrying
conductor at a distance r.

3) A circular coil of radius a is

carrying a current I in the direction
as shown in figure.
Obtain the magnetic field intensity
at point P using Biot–Savart’s law.
NEB-2081
SOLUTION
Biot–Savart Law (Laplace’s Law):
The magnetic field intensity at any point
due to a small current element is directly
proportional to:
– the length of the current element dl ,
– the current I ,
– sin θ , where θ is the angle between the current element and the
line joining the element to the point,
and inversely proportional to the square of the distance r.

Hence,

I dl sin θ
dB ∝
2
r

or,

μ0 I dl sin θ
dB =
2
4π r

where μ 0 = 4π × 10
−7
H m
−1
is the
permeability of free space.

Magnetic field on the axis of a

circular current loop:
Consider a circular coil of radius a carrying current I . Let P be a point
on the axis of the coil at a distance x from its centre O . Let AB be
a small element of the coil of length dl , and let r be the distance of
this element from point P .

According to Biot–Savart law, the magnetic field due to element AB

at point P is,

μ 0 I dl sin α
dB =
2
4πr

Since the angle between dl and r is α =

π

2
,

μ 0 I dl
dB =
2
4πr

Resolving dB into components, the components perpendicular to the

axis cancel due to symmetry. Only the components along the axis add
up. Therefore,

B = ∫ dB sin θ

2πa
μ0 I dl
B = ∫ sin θ
2
4π r
0

Since sin θ =
a

r
,

2πa
μ0 I a
B = ∫ dl
3
4πr 0

μ0 I a
B = (2πa)
3
4πr

2
μ0 I a
B =
3
2r

From geometry,

2 2 2
r = a + x

Hence,

2
μ0 I a
B =
2 2 3/2
2(a + x )

If the coil has n turns, then the magnetic field at point P is,

2
μ 0 nI a
B = Tesla
2 2 3/2
2(a + x )

This is the required expression for the magnetic field intensity on the
axis of a circular current carrying coil.

4) a. What is the principle of moving coil galvanometer?

b. Why do you prepare radial field in the moving coil
galvanometer?
c. What do you mean by current sensitivity and voltage
sensitivity? NEB-2081

SOLUTION
a. Principle of moving coil galvanometer:
The principle of a moving coil galvanometer is that a current carrying
coil experiences a torque when placed in a magnetic field. When
electric current is passed through the coil, a torque acts on it which
causes angular deflection of the coil.

b. Reason for preparing radial magnetic field:

Magnetic field is made radial in a moving coil galvanometer so that
the plane of the coil always remains perpendicular to the magnetic
field for all deflections. This ensures constant torque, makes the scale
linear, increases sensitivity and helps in making the galvanometer
dead-beat.

c. Current sensitivity and voltage sensitivity:

Current sensitivity: It is defined as the angular deflection produced
per unit current flowing through the galvanometer.

θ BN A
=
I K

Voltage sensitivity: It is defined as the angular deflection produced

per unit voltage applied across the galvanometer.

θ BN A
=
V KR

where,
I = current
θ = angular deflection
V = voltage
N = number of turns of the coil
B = magnetic field strength
A = area of the coil
K = torsional constant of suspension wire
R = resistance of the coil

Hence, current and voltage sensitivity of a galvanometer depend upon

the area of the coil, number of turns, magnetic field strength,
torsional constant and resistance of the coil.

5) Obtain an expression for magnetic field strength at the

centre of a current carrying circular coil using Biot–Savart’s
law. NEB-2081

SOLUTION
(i) Biot–Savart’s Law:
According to Biot–Savart law, the magnetic field intensity at any point
due to a current element is directly proportional to:
– the length of current element dl ,
– the current I ,
– sin θ , where θ is the angle between the current element and the
line joining the element to the point,
and inversely proportional to the square of the distance r.

Combining these,

I dl sin θ
dB ∝
2
r

or,

μ0 I dl sin θ
dB =
2
4π r

where μ 0 = 4π × 10
−7
H m
−1
is the
permeability of free space.

(ii) Magnetic field at the centre of

a circular coil:
Consider a narrow circular coil of radius r having N turns carrying
current I . The magnetic field at the centre due to a small element dl

is,

μ0 I dl sin θ
dB =
2
4π r

Since θ = 90
∘
,

μ0 I dl
dB =
2
4π r

T total magnetic field at the

centre is,

2πr
μ0 I dl
B = ∫ dB = ∫
2
4π 0 r

μ0 I μ0 I
B = (2πr) =
2
4πr 2r

,
For a coil having N turns,

μ0 N I
B =
2r

This is the required expression for the magnetic field strength at the
centre of a circular current carrying coil.

6) Derive an expression for the magnetic field strength

inside a long current carrying solenoid using Ampere’s
circuital law. [3] NEB-2081

SOLUTION
Ampere’s Circuital Law:
Ampere’s circuital law states that the line integral of magnetic flux
→ around a closed loop is equal to μ times the net current
density B 0

enclosed by the loop.

∮
→ →
B ⋅ dl = μ 0 I

→ is a small element of the closed path.

where dl

Magnetic field inside a long current carrying solenoid:

Consider a long solenoid having n turns per unit length and carrying
current I . The magnetic field outside the solenoid is negligible, while
the magnetic field inside is uniform and directed along the axis of the
solenoid.

Let a rectangular closed path

P QRSP be chosen such that
one side PQ of length l lies
inside the solenoid along its
axis.

Number of turns enclosed by

the closed path,

N = nl

Hence, current enclosed by the path,

′
I = N × I = nI l

→ around the closed path is,

The line integral of B

Q R S P

∮
→ →
B ⋅ dl = ∫
→ →
B ⋅ dl + ∫
→ →
B ⋅ dl + ∫
→ →
B ⋅ dl + ∫
→ →
B ⋅ dl
P Q R S

Along paths QR and SP

→ and dl
, the angle between B → is 90
∘
, so their
contributions are zero.
Along path RS , the magnetic field is zero (outside the solenoid).

Therefore,

Q Q

∮
→ →
B ⋅ dl = ∫ B dl cos 0
∘
= B∫ dl = B l
P P

Applying Ampere’s circuital law,

B l = μ 0 (nI l)

∴ B = μ 0 nI

Hence, the magnetic field strength inside a long current carrying

solenoid is

B = μ 0 nI

7) What is meant by Hall effect? Derive an expression of

Hall voltage. NEB-2076

SOLUTION
Hall Effect:
When a magnetic field is applied to a current carrying conductor, a
transverse voltage is developed across the specimen in a direction
perpendicular to both the direction of current and the magnetic field.
This phenomenon is known as the Hall effect.

Consider a rectangular
conductor in which current
flows along the x-axis and
a magnetic field is applied
along the z-axis. As a
result, a voltage is
developed along the y-axis,
called the Hall voltage.

In the absence of magnetic field, electrons drift opposite to the

direction of current. When a magnetic field is applied, the electrons
experience a Lorentz force and get deflected. Electrons accumulate on
one side of the conductor, while positive charges accumulate on the
opposite side, producing an electric field called the Hall field.

The accumulation continues until the electric force due to Hall field
balances the magnetic (Lorentz) force, i.e.,

Hall f orce = Lorentz f orce

eE H = ev x B z

⇒ EH = vx Bz

From Ohm’s law, the current density is

J x = −nev x

Jx
⇒ vx =
−ne

Substituting this value of vx in the expression for EH ,

Bz Jx
EH = −
ne

(i)

If t is the thickness of the specimen, then the Hall voltage is

VH = EH t

Bz Jx t
VH = −
ne

(ii)

This is the required expression for the Hall voltage.

8) State Biot and Savart law. Derive an expression for the

magnetic field at a point due to a long straight conductor
carrying current. NEB-2076

SOLUTION
Law of Biot & Savart (or Laplace’s law):
Biot–Savart law states that the magnetic field intensity at any point
in a medium due to a current element is directly proportional to:
– the length of the current element, dB ∝ dl

– the current flowing through it, dB ∝ I

– the sine of the angle between the current element and the line
joining the element with the point, dB ∝ sin θ

– and inversely proportional to the square of the distance of the point

from the element, dB ∝
1

r
2

Combining all these, we get

I dl sin θ
dB ∝
2
r

μ0 I dl sin θ
or, dB =
2
4π r

where μ 0 = 4π × 10
−7
Hm
−1
is the
permeability of vacuum.

The total magnetic flux density at

any point P is given by

μ0 I dl sin θ
B = ∫ dB =
2
4π r

This is the mathematical form of Biot–Savart law.

Magnetic field at a point due to a long straight current carrying

conductor:
Consider a long straight conductor XY carrying current I vertically
upward. Let AB be a small element of length dl of the conductor and
P be a point at a perpendicular distance a from the wire. Join AP

and BP . Let ∠P BA = θ and ∠AP B = dθ . Draw AD perpendicular

to BP .

According to Biot–Savart law, the magnetic field due to element dl at

point P is

μ0 I dl
dB = sin θ
2
4π r

From △ADP ,

AD
sin dθ =
r

For small angle dθ , sin dθ ≈ dθ , hence

AD = r dθ

From △ADB ,

AD
sin θ = ⇒ AD = AB sin θ = dl sin θ
AB

Therefore,

dl sin θ = r dθ

Substituting in equation (i),

μ0 I r dθ μ0 I dθ
dB = =
2
4π r 4π r

From △BCP ,

CP a a
sin θ = = ⇒ r =
BP r sin θ

Hence,

μ0 I
dB = sin θ dθ
4πa

The total magnetic field is obtained by integrating from θ = 0 to

θ = π ,
π
μ0 I
B = ∫ dB = ∫ sin θ dθ
4πa
0

μ0 I π
μ0 I
B = [− cos θ] = (2)
0
4πa 4πa

μ0 I
B =
2πa

Thus, the magnetic field due to a long straight current carrying

conductor is inversely proportional to the distance from the conductor.

9) Derive an expression for the force per unit length

between parallel conductors carrying current in the opposite
direction. NEB-2071

SOLUTION
Force between two unlike parallel current carrying conductors:
When two parallel current carrying conductors are placed close
together, they exert forces on each other. Consider two infinitely long
parallel conductors X and Y carrying currents I1 and I2 respectively
in opposite directions. Let the distance between the two conductors be
r .

The magnitude of magnetic field at

any point on conductor Y due to
current I1 in conductor X is

μ0 I1
BX =
2πr

According to the right hand grip rule,

the direction of the magnetic field is
perpendicular to the plane of the
paper and directed outwards.

Conductor Y carrying current I2 is placed in the magnetic field BX .

Hence, the force experienced per unit length of conductor Y is

BX I2 l
FY = = BX I2 [∵ F = BI l]
l

Substituting the value of BX ,

μ0 I1
FY = I2
2πr

By right hand rule, this force acts in the plane of the paper and is
directed away from conductor X .

Similarly, the force per unit length on conductor X is

μ0 I1 I2
FX =
2πr

This force is also directed away from conductor Y . Thus, the two
conductors repel each other and the force of repulsion per unit length
is

μ0 I1 I2
F =
2πr

10) Deduce an expression for a magnetic field at a point

along the axis of a solenoid and at the midpoint of the
solenoid. NEB-2070

SOLUTION
Magnetic field on the axis of a long solenoid:
Consider a long solenoid of radius a having n turns per unit length.
When current I flows through it, a magnetic field is produced inside
the solenoid. To find the magnetic field at a point P on its axis,
consider a small element AB of length dl which subtends an angle θ

at point P .

The magnetic field due to the element is

μ0 I a
dB = sin θ n dl
2
2r

From triangle
ABC ,

BC
sin θ =
AB

r dθ r dθ
sin θ = ⇒ dl =
dl sin θ

Substituting in the above equation,

μ0 I a r dθ
dB = sin θ n
2
2r sin θ

μ 0 nI a
dB = dθ
2r

From triangle ADP ,

a a
sin θ = ⇒ r =
r sin θ

Substituting for r,

μ 0 nI
dB = sin θ dθ
2

If the ends of the solenoid subtend angles ϕ1 and ϕ2 at point P , then

the total magnetic field is

ϕ2
μ 0 nI
B = ∫ sin θ dθ
ϕ1
2

μ 0 nI ϕ2
μ 0 nI
B = [− cos θ] = (cos ϕ 1 − cos ϕ 2 )
ϕ1
2 2

For a very long solenoid, ϕ1 = 0

∘
and ϕ2 = π ,

μ 0 nI
B = (1 + 1)
2

B = μ 0 nI

This is the magnetic field at the midpoint (centre) of a long solenoid.

Magnetic field at the end of a long solenoid:

At the end of the solenoid, θ 1 = 90
∘
and θ2 = π ,

μ 0 nI
BE =
2

11) Explain in brief, the motion of an electron moving

normal to a magnetic field. NEB-2056

SOLUTION
Force on an electron moving in a uniform magnetic field:
When an electron moves in a magnetic field, it experiences a force
called Lorentz force as given by Lorentz. Let an electron of charge e

move with velocity v making an angle θ with magnetic field B . Then

the magnitude of force F on the electron is directly proportional to:
– the strength of magnetic field B , i.e., F ∝ B

– the electronic charge e, i.e., F ∝ e

– the speed of the charge v, i.e., F ∝ v

– the sine of the angle between v and B , i.e., F ∝ sin θ

Combining all,

F ∝ eBv sin θ

F = keBv sin θ

where k is the proportionality constant and its value is 1. Hence,

F = eBv sin θ

Vectorially,

→
F = e(v × B) → →

Special cases:
i. When the electron moves perpendicular to the magnetic field,
θ = 90
∘
,
∘
F = eBv sin 90 = eBv

Hence, the force is maximum.

ii. When the electron moves parallel to the magnetic field, θ = 0

∘
,
∘
F = eBv sin 0 = 0

Hence, the force is minimum.

Direction of force (Fleming’s left-hand rule):

If the thumb, forefinger and middle finger of the left hand are
stretched mutually perpendicular to each other such that the middle
finger points in the direction of current, the forefinger points in the
direction of magnetic field, then the thumb gives the direction of the
force experienced by the conductor.

Numerical Problems
1) A circular coil has 100 turns and radius 5 cm. Find the
magnetic field at a distance 6 cm from the centre of the
coil at its axis, if a current of 2 A is passed through it.
NEB-2081
SOLUTION
Given,
Number of turns of coil (n) = 100

Radius of loop (a) = 5 cm = 0.05 m

Distance from centre (x) = 6 cm = 6 × 10

−2
m

Current (I ) = 2 A

Magnetic field (B) =?

−7
μ 0 = 4π × 10 H/A

We have,

2
μ 0 nI a
B =
2 2 3/2
2(x + a )

−7 2
4π × 10 × 100 × 2 × (0.05)
B =
2 2 3/2
2(0.06 + 0.05 )

−4
B = 6.5 × 10 T

2) A wire of length 0.5 m carrying a current of 2 A is

placed in a uniform magnetic field of strength 0.4 T. Find
the maximum and minimum force experienced by it. NEB-2081

SOLUTION
Given,
Length of wire (ℓ) = 0.5 m

Current (I ) = 2 A

Magnetic field (B) = 0.4 T

Maximum force (F max ) =?

Minimum force (F min ) =?

We have,

F = BI ℓ sin θ

Maximum force,

F max = BI ℓ [sin θ = 1 f or perpendicular case]

F max = 0.4 × 2 × 0.5 = 0.4 N

Minimum force,

F min = BI ℓ sin 0

F min = 0 [sin 0 = 0 f or parallel case]

3) A slice of indium antimonide 2.5 mm thick carries a

current of 150 mA. A magnetic field of flux density 0.5 T,
correctly applied, produces a maximum Hall voltage of 8.75
mV between the edges of the slice. Calculate the number of
free charge carriers per unit volume assuming they each have
a charge of −1.6 × 10
−19
C . NEB-2081

SOLUTION
Given,
Thickness (t) = 2.5 mm = 2.5 × 10
−3
m

Current (I ) = 150 mA = 150 × 10

−3
A

Magnetic field (B) = 0.5 T

Hall voltage (V H ) = 8.75 mV = 8.75 × 10

−3
V

Electronic charge (e) = −1.6 × 10

−19
C

Electron density (n) =?

We have,

EH 1
= −
BJ ne

VH 1 V
= − [∵ E = ]
t × B × I ne d

2
VH t 1 I I
or, = − [∵ J = = ]
2
t × B × I ne A t

BI
or, n = −
V H et
−3
0.5 × 150 × 10
=
−3 −19 −3
8.75 × 10 × (−1.6 × 10 ) × 2.5 × 10

75
=
−22
35 × 10
22
∴ n = 2.14 × 10

Hence, the required number of free charge carriers is 2.14 × 10

22
m
−3
.

4) An alpha particle of mass 6.65 × 10

−27
kg travels with a
speed of 6 × 10
6
m/s at right angle to the magnetic field of
0.2 T. Calculate its acceleration. NEB-2081

SOLUTION
Given,
Mass of α -particle (m) = 6.65 × 10
−27
kg

Velocity of α -particle (v) = 6 × 10

6
m/s

Angle (θ) = 90
∘

Magnetic field (B) = 0.2 T

Charge of α -particle (q) = 2e

Acceleration (a) =?

Magnetic force,

F = Bqv sin θ

−19 6
F = 0.2 × 2 × 1.6 × 10 × 6 × 10

−13
= 3.84 × 10 N

Again,

F = ma

F
a =
m
−13
3.84 × 10
=
−27
6.65 × 10
13 2
= 5.77 × 10 m/s

5) A horizontal straight wire of mass 0.12 gm and length 10

cm is placed perpendicular to a uniform horizontal magnetic
field of flux density 0.6 T. If the resistance per unit length
of the wire is 3.8 Ω m
−1
, calculate the potential difference
that has to be applied between the ends of the wire to
make it just self-supporting. NEB-2080

SOLUTION
Given,
Length of wire (l) = 10 cm = 0.1 m

Mass of wire (m) = 0.12 gm = 0.12 × 10

−3
kg

Magnetic flux density (B) = 0.6 T

Resistance of wire,

R = 3.8 × 0.1 = 0.38 Ω

Potential difference (V ) =?

For self-supporting wire,

∘
mg = BI l sin 90

V
−3
0.12 × 10 × 10 = 0.6 × × 0.1
R

V
−2
0.12 × 10 = 0.06 ×
0.38

−3
V = 7.6 × 10 V

6) A circular coil of 100 turns has a radius of 10 cm and

carries a current of 5 A. Determine the magnetic field at a
point on the axis of the coil at a distance of 5 cm from the
center of the coil. NEB-2079

SOLUTION
Given,
Current (I ) = 5 A

Number of turns (N ) = 100

Radius of coil (a) = 10 cm = 0.1 m

Distance from centre (x) = 5 cm = 0.05 m

Magnetic field (B) =?

We know,

2
μ0 N I a
B =
2 2 3/2
2(x + a )

−7 2
4π × 10 × 100 × 5 × 0.1
B =
2 2 3/2
2(0.05 + 0.1 )

−3
B = 2.25 × 10 T

7) A horizontal straight wire 5 cm long weighing 1.2 g m

−1

is placed perpendicular to a uniform horizontal magnetic

field of flux density 0.6 T. If the resistance of the wire is
3.8 Ω m
−1
, calculate the p.d. that has to be applied between
the ends of the wire to make it just self-supporting.
NEB-2079
SOLUTION
Given,
Length of wire (l) = 5 cm = 5 × 10
−2
m

Weight per meter = 1.2 gm

Total mass of wire,

−2 −3
m = 1.2 × 5 × 10 gm = 0.06 gm = 0.06 × 10 kg

Magnetic flux density (B) = 0.6 T

Resistance per meter = 3.8 Ω

Total resistance of wire,

−2
R = 3.8 × 5 × 10 = 0.19 Ω

To make the wire just self-supporting,

Weight of wire = Magnetic force
∘
mg = BI l sin 90

V
−3 −2
0.06 × 10 × 9.8 = 0.6 × × 5 × 10
R

V
−3
0.588 × 10 = 0.03 ×
0.19

−3
V = 3.7 × 10 V

Hence, the required potential difference is 3.7 × 10

−3
Volt .

8) Two galvanometers, which are otherwise identical, are

fitted with different coils. One has a coil of 50 turns and
resistance 10 Ω while the other has 500 turns and a
resistance of 600 Ω . What is the ratio of the deflection
when each is connected in turn to a cell of e.m.f. 25 V and
internal resistance 50 Ω ? NEB-2076

SOLUTION
Given,

N 1 = 50, R 1 = 10 Ω

N 2 = 500, R 2 = 600 Ω

E = 25 V, r = 50 Ω

Required ratio,

θ 1 : θ 2 =?

For a galvanometer at equilibrium,

BI N A = Kθ

For first galvanometer,

E = I 1 (R 1 + r)

E
I1 =
R1 + r

For second galvanometer,

E = I 2 (R 2 + r)

Hence,

Kθ 1 E
=
BN 1 A R1 + r

Kθ 2 E
=
BN 2 A R2 + r

Dividing,

θ1 N2 R2 + r
× =
θ2 N1 R1 + r

θ1 600 + 50 50
= ( ) ×
θ2 10 + 50 500

∴ θ 1 : θ 2 = 13 : 12

9) A flat silver strip of width 1.5 cm and thickness 1.5 mm

carries a current of 150 A. A magnetic field of 2 T is applied
perpendicular to the flat face of the strip. The emf
developed across the width of the strip is measured to be
17.9 μV . Calculate the free electron density in the silver.
NEB-2076
SOLUTION
Given,
Width of silver strip (b) = 1.5 cm = 1.5 × 10
−2
m

Thickness of silver strip (t) = 1.5 mm = 1.5 × 10

−3
m

Current (I ) = 150 A

Magnetic field (B) = 2 T

Hall voltage (V M ) = 17.9 μV = 17.9 × 10

−6
V

Charge of electron (e) = −1.6 × 10

−19
C

Electron density (n) =?

We have,

BJ t
VM = −
ne

or,

B ⋅ I ⋅ t
n = −
VM ⋅ e ⋅ A

−3
2 × 150 × 1.5 × 10
n =
−6 −19 −2 −3
17.9 × 10 × 1.6 × 10 × 1.5 × 10 × 1.5 × 10

27 −3
n = 6.98 × 10 m

Hence, the free electron density in silver is 6.98 × 10

27
m
−3
.

10) A silver wire has 1 × 10

30
free electrons per cubic
meter, a cross-sectional area of 2 mm
2
and carries a current
of 5 A. Calculate the force acting on each electron if the
wire is now placed in a magnetic field of flux density 0.15 T
which is perpendicular to the wire. NEB-2075

SOLUTION
Given,
Number of free electrons (n) = 1 × 10
30
m
−3

Cross-sectional area (A) = 2 mm

2
= 2 × 10
−6
m
2

Current (I ) = 5 A

Magnetic flux density (B) = 0.15 T

Force on electron (F ) =?

Drift velocity,

I
vd =
neA

Force on an electron,

F = Bev d

I BI
F = Be =
neA nA

0.15 × 5
F =
30 −6
1 × 10 × 2 × 10

−25
F = 3.75 × 10 N

Hence, the force acting on each electron is 3.75 × 10

−25
N .

11) A horizontal wire, of length 5 cm and carrying a current

of 2 A, is placed in the middle of a long solenoid at right
angles to its axis. The solenoid has 1000 turns per meter and
carries a steady current I . Calculate I if the force on the
wire is equal to 10
−4
N . NEB-2072

SOLUTION
Given,
Length of wire (l) = 5 cm = 5 × 10
−2
m

Current in wire (I w ) = 2 A

Number of turns of solenoid (n) = 1000 turns m

−1

Force on wire (F ) = 10
−4
N

Current in solenoid (I s ) =?

−7 −1
μ 0 = 4π × 10 H m

We have,

F = BI w l

or,

F = μ 0 nI s I w l [∵ B = μ 0 nI s ]

−4 −7 −2
10 = 4π × 10 × 1000 × I s × 2 × 5 × 10

I s = 0.8 A

Hence, the current in the solenoid is 0.8 A .

12) A copper wire 28 m long is wound into a flat circular

coil 8.0 cm in diameter. If the current of 4.50 A flows
through the coil, what is the magnetic induction at the
centre? NEB-2069

SOLUTION
Given,
Length of copper wire (l) = 28 m

Diameter of coil (d) = 8.0 cm = 0.08 m

Current (I ) = 4.5 A

Magnetic field (B) =?

Length of circumference,

22
C = πd = × 0.08 = 0.251 m
7

Number of turns of coil,

l 28
N = = = 112
C 0.251

Magnetic field at the centre,

μ0 N I
B =
2r

−7
4π × 10 × 112 × 4.5
B =
2 × 0.04

−3
B = 7.8 × 10 T

Hence, the magnetic induction at the centre of the coil is

7.8 × 10
−3
T .