Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
Introduction
Electric current-carrying wires behave like magnets.
Electricity and magnetism are linked.
Moving magnets can produce an electric effect.
Electromagnets utilize the magnetic effect of electric current.
Hans Christian Oersted discovered the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
Magnetic Field and Field Lines
A compass needle is a small bar magnet.
The end of the compass needle pointing towards north is called the north pole, and the end
pointing towards south is the south pole.
Like poles repel, while unlike poles attract.
A magnetic field is the region around a magnet where its force can be detected.
Magnetic field lines represent the magnetic field. Iron filings align themselves along these
lines.
Drawing Magnetic Field Lines
Use a compass to trace the magnetic field lines around a bar magnet.
The direction of the magnetic field is the direction in which a north pole of a compass needle
moves inside it.
By convention, field lines emerge from the north pole and merge at the south pole.
Inside the magnet, the direction of field lines is from its south pole to its north pole.
Magnetic field lines are closed curves.
The strength of the magnetic field is indicated by the closeness of the field lines; closer lines
indicate a stronger field.
No two field lines intersect each other.
Magnetic Field Due to a Current-Carrying Conductor
An electric current through a metallic conductor produces a magnetic field around it.
Magnetic Field due to a Current through a Straight
Conductor
The magnitude of the magnetic field produced at a given point increases as the current
through the wire increases.
The magnetic field produced by a given current in the conductor decreases as the distance
from it increases.
Right-Hand Thumb Rule
If you hold a current-carrying straight conductor in your right hand such that the thumb points
towards the direction of current, then your fingers will wrap around the conductor in the
direction of the field lines of the magnetic field.
Magnetic Field due to a Current through a Circular Loop
At every point of a current-carrying circular loop, the concentric circles representing the
magnetic field become larger as we move away from the wire.
At the center of the circular loop, the arcs of these big circles appear as straight lines.
Every section of the wire contributes to the magnetic field lines in the same direction within
the loop.
If there is a circular coil having n turns, the field produced is n times as large as that produced
by a single turn.
Magnetic Field due to a Current in a Solenoid
A solenoid is a coil of many circular turns of insulated copper wire wrapped closely in the
shape of a cylinder.
The pattern of the magnetic field lines around a current-carrying solenoid is similar to that of
a bar magnet.
One end of the solenoid behaves as a magnetic north pole, while the other behaves as the
south pole.
The field lines inside the solenoid are in the form of parallel straight lines, indicating that the
magnetic field is the same at all points inside the solenoid (uniform).
A strong magnetic field produced inside a solenoid can be used to magnetize a piece of
magnetic material, like soft iron, when placed inside the coil, forming an electromagnet.
Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a
Magnetic Field
A magnetic field exerts a force on a current-carrying conductor.
The direction of force is reversed when the direction of current or the direction of the
magnetic field is reversed.
The displacement of the rod is largest when the direction of current is at right angles to the
direction of the magnetic field.
Fleming's Left-Hand Rule
Stretch the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of your left hand such that they are mutually
perpendicular. If the first finger points in the direction of the magnetic field and the second
finger in the direction of the current, then the thumb will point in the direction of motion or the
force acting on the conductor.
Domestic Electric Circuits
Electric power is supplied through a main supply via overhead electric poles or underground
cables.
Live wire (positive): Usually with red insulation.
Neutral wire (negative): With black insulation.
Potential difference between the two wires is 220 V in many countries.
Earth wire: Has green insulation and is connected to a metal plate deep in the earth. It's a
safety measure for appliances with metallic bodies.
Two separate circuits are often used: 15 A current rating for high-power appliances and 5 A
current rating for bulbs, fans, etc.
Appliances are connected in parallel to each other so that each appliance has equal potential
difference.
An electric fuse prevents damage to appliances and the circuit due to overloading.
Overloading can occur when the live wire and the neutral wire come into direct contact (short-
circuiting) or due to connecting too many appliances to a single socket or an accidental hike
in the supply voltage.