WEEK 2
Sub-Topic: EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD
When a magnetic needle or a bar magnet is freely suspended, it comes to rest roughly in the N-S poles of the
earth. This shows that the earth acts like a magnet, hence, the earth must have N-S Poles near the geographical
poles.
The angle between the magnetic North and the geographical North directions at a place is called ‘’the angle of
Declination or Variation’’.
Geographic North
Magnetic North
Angle of Declination
ANGLE OF DIP S
This is the angle between the horizontal and the resultant earth’s magnetic field. It can also defined as the angle
between the total intensity of the earth’s magnetic field and the horizontal.
Magnetic needle
Horizontal plane
θ
θ=angle of dip S
However, the angle of dip, declination and the earth’s horizontal field strength are called magnetic element.
Evaluation:
1. Distinguish between angle of dip and angle of declination.
2. Enumerate the magnetic elements.
Sub-Topic 2: FORCE ON A MOVING CHARGE IN A MAGNETIC FIELD.
The magnetic field exerts a force on a charge moving in the field because charges in motion constitute an
electric current. E.g, the motion of electrons along conducting wires.
The strength of magnetic field, a vector quantity, is represented by Β, called the flux density or magnetic
induction. If θ is the angle between the magnetic field direction and the direction of motion of the charges, then,
the force, F on the charge is given by:
F=qvBsinθ
This force will be maximum when sin θ = 1 ( i. e θ=900 . The charge moves in a direction perpendicular to
the magnetic field)
This force will be zero when θ=0. (i.e the charge moves in the same direction as the magnetic field)
Where:
F is force ∈Newton , N
q is the charge∈coulombs ,C
v is the average velocity of the charge∈m/s
2
Bis the flux density∨magnetic induction∈tesla , T ( 1Tesla=1 Weber per m ).
Example:
Find the magnetic force experienced by an electron projected into a magnetic field of flux density 8Tesla with a
velocity of 4.0 × 106 m/s and in the direction of 60 ° .
Solution:
F=qvBsinθ
−19 6
F=1.6 ×10 × 4.0 ×10 ×8 × sin 60°
−12
F=4.43 × 10 N
Note:
a. When an electron is projected perpendicular to the magnetic field, θ=90 °,
∴ sin θ=sin 90°=1
Hence , F=qvB
b. When an electron is projected parallel to the magnetic field, θ=0 °,
∴ sin θ=sin 0° =0
Hence , F=0
Evaluation:
1. State the formula for calculating the force on a charge moving in a magnetic field.
2. What is the value of F if an electron is projected parallel to the field.
GENERAL EVALUATION:
1. Define angle of declination.
2. When F = 0, what is the value of θ and why?
3. What is the value of q?
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:
1. Find the magnetic force experienced by an electron projected into a magnetic field of flux density 8Tesla
with a velocity of 4.0 × 106 m/s and in the direction of 40 ° . Also find F when the electron is projected normal
to the field.
2. A force F projected an electron into a magnetic field of flux density 10 Tesla with a velocity of 2 ×107 m/s
and normal to the field. (electron charge=1.6 ×10−19 C).