Electromagnetism 23

23.1 Magnets

A Magnetic poles
• Just as charges interact through electric field,
magnets interact through magnetic field.

electric magnetic
field field

Electricity and Magnetism 1

 Electromagnetism 23

• A magnet has two poles:

north pole (N) & south pole (S)

• Unlike poles attract each other;
like poles repel each other.

attract repel

Electricity and Magnetism 2

 Electromagnetism 23
Poles of a magnet
A freely suspended magnet always aligns
itself in the north-south direction.

North Pole
north seeking pole
( north pole, N-pole )

south seeking pole

( south pole, S-pole)

Electricity and Magnetism

 Electromagnetism 23
S

• Compass needle is a small magnet.

N

• Earth is a giant magnet.

⇒ compass needle points to the Earth’s north

pole.
Earth’s north pole
(= Earth magnet’s S-pole)

Electricity and Magnetism

 Electromagnetism 23

• Magnetic poles always exist in pairs.

N (top) N (top) S N
S

N
S (bottom) S (bottom)

slab-shaped horseshoe
ring magnet bar magnet
magnet magnet

• Breaking a magnet forms two smaller magnets:

We cannot get an
isolated magnetic
pole (monopole).

Electricity and Magnetism 5

 Electromagnetism 23

Magnetic materials

• Magnetic material: can be attracted by magnets

e.g. soft iron, steel

• Non-magnetic material: cannot be attracted by

magnets
e.g. copper, aluminium

Electricity and Magnetism 6

 Electromagnetism 23

• Magnetic materials can be

magnetized by magnetic field.

• They behave like temporary magnets.

S

N
• Some stay magnetized for long,
while some demagnetize quickly.

Electricity and Magnetism 7

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 1

1. True or false:

(a) Opposite poles repel while poles of
the same type attract.

Electricity and Magnetism 8

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 1

1. True or false:

(b) We can get a magnetic monopole
from a magnet by breaking it into pieces.

Breaking a magnet into pieces can only get

smaller magnets.

Electricity and Magnetism 9

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 1

2. You are given an aluminium bar, an iron bar

and a bar magnet. All the bars are painted to
make them look alike.

A B C

Electricity and Magnetism 10

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 1

2. (a) Compasses put near their end points are as

shown. Identify the bars.

bar magnet iron bar

aluminium bar
N

Electricity and Magnetism 11

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 1

2. (b) Suggest a way to identify the three bars without

using compasses. (Hint: Think about their
interactions.)

1. Hang the bars by a string

if always aligns with the same orientation
(i.e. Earth’s field) ⇒ MAGNET
2. Put the magnet near the other two bars
if attracted by the magnet ⇒ IRON
if not attracted by the magnet ⇒ ALUMINIUM
(Or any reasonable answers)
Electricity and Magnetism 12
 Electromagnetism 23
B Magnetic field

• Magnets interact with one another through magnetic

field.
• Magnetic field B is a vector

– direction: given by force on N-pole

– unit: tesla (T)

A compass is deflected
by the magnetic field.

Note:
• A field never acts on its own source!
Electricity and Magnetism 13
 Electromagnetism 23

Magnetic field lines

• Just like electric field, magnetic field can also be

represented by magnetic field lines.

Electricity and Magnetism 14

 Electromagnetism 23

Direction and magnitude

• Direction of a field line:

B1
direction of B-field at that point

B2

• Density of field lines:

magnitude of B-field stronger

weaker

Electricity and Magnetism 15

 Electromagnetism 23
Expt 1 Visualizing magnetic field
patterns
Purpose

To visualize magnetic field patterns using

iron filings and plotting compasses.

Electricity and Magnetism 16

 Electromagnetism 23
Part A Using compasses

1. Place a number of plotting

N-pole S-pole

compasses around a bar

magnet.

2. Adjust the positions of

the compasses finely so
that the needles of the
compasses
form continuous lines.
Electricity and Magnetism 17
 Electromagnetism 23
Part A Using compasses

3. Repeat steps 1 to 2 with other magnet

arrangements.

Electricity and Magnetism 18

 Electromagnetism 23
Part B Using iron filings

1. Put a transparent plastic transparent

plastic board
board on top of two fixed
bar magnets with their
unlike poles facing each other.
iron filings
bar magnets

2. Sprinkle iron filings onto the

plastic board.

Electricity and Magnetism 19

 Electromagnetism 23
Part B Using iron filings

3. Tap the board gently,

and observe the pattern
of the iron filings.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 slap-shaped

magnets steel yoke
with other magnet
arrangements.

Electricity and Magnetism 20

 Electromagnetism 23
Discussion

What are the advantages and

disadvantages of these two methods
in showing magnetic field patterns?

Compasses: tell directions of the field lines

but cannot show field pattern clearly

Iron filings: show field pattern more clearly

but cannot tell direction

Electricity and Magnetism 21

 Electromagnetism 23

• Field patterns can be visualized by

plotting compasses or iron filings.

Electricity and Magnetism 22

 Electromagnetism 23

Features of magnetic field lines

neutral
uniform
point

• Come out of N-poles and go into S-poles

• Never branch nor cross

• Uniform field: parallel & evenly spaced

• Neutral point: resultant field = 0

Electricity and Magnetism 23
 Electromagnetism 23

Measuring magnetic field

Magnetic field
Hall probe Search coil
sensor

For measuring
For measuring For measuring
both steady &
steady fields time-varying fields
time-varying fields

Electricity and Magnetism 24

 Electromagnetism 23

Mind the orientation of the probe.

• Adjust its orientation until the reading is max.

⇒ Plane of search coil ⊥ to B-field

search
coil

to
voltmeter

Electricity and Magnetism 25

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 2

1. True or false:

 (a) Around a magnet, magnetic field

lines always point from N-pole to S-pole.

Electricity and Magnetism 26

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 2

1. True or false:

(b) The direction of magnetic field lines
can be mapped with iron filings.

Only the pattern of magnetic field lines can

be mapped.

Electricity and Magnetism 27

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 2

1. True or false:

 (c) A magnetic neutral point is a place

without a magnetic field.

Electricity and Magnetism 28

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 2

2. At which point, W to Z, is the magnetic field

(a) the strongest?

Electricity and Magnetism 29

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 2

2. At which point, W to Z, is the magnetic field

(b) the weakest?

Electricity and Magnetism 30

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 2

3. Sketch some field lines to show the field

pattern around these magnets. Mark the
neutral points,
if any.
(a)

Electricity and Magnetism 31

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 2

3. Sketch some field lines to show the field pattern

around these magnets. Mark the neutral points,

if any.
(b)

neutral
point

Electricity and Magnetism 32

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 2

4. Paul puts a small compass on a neutral point in

a magnetic field. In which direction will the
compass needle point?

N-pole of the Earth

Electricity and Magnetism 33

 Electromagnetism 23
23.2 Magnetic fields of currents

• Besides magnet, current can also deflect a magnet!

no current
current

Electricity and Magnetism 34

 Electromagnetism 23
Expt 2 Magnetic field
patterns around different
current-carrying conductors
Purpose

To show the magnetic field pattern around a

current-carrying straight wire, a flat circular
coil and a solenoid. Switchoff
Switch offthe
thepower
power
supply
supply assoon
as soonas
as
possibleto
possible toavoid
avoid
overheating.
overheating.

Electricity and Magnetism 35

 Electromagnetism 23
Procedure

1. Sprinkle iron filings (on the

plastic board) around the
straight wires. Switch on the
power supply, and tap the
board gently. straight wires

2. Switch off the power supply,

and observe the pattern of the
iron filings.

Electricity and Magnetism 36

 Electromagnetism 23
Procedure

3. Remove the iron fillings,

straigh
and put several plotting t wires

compasses on the plastic

board near the wires.

4. Switch on the power supply

again, and observe the
orientations of the compass
needles.

Electricity and Magnetism 37

 Electromagnetism 23
Procedure

5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 for a flat circular coil and a

solenoid.

coil
with 5
turns solenoid

Electricity and Magnetism 38

 Electromagnetism 23
Discussion

I
1. Using your right hand (thumb up ),
N
you can predict the direction of the
field lines from the direction of the
current. Can you figure out the rule?
Hint:Point
Hint: Pointyour
yourthumb
thumbin
in
thedirection
the directionof
ofthe
the
current.
current.

Electricity and Magnetism 39

 Electromagnetism 23
Discussion

2. We should switch off the

power supply as soon as
possible because leaving it
switched on may cause
the wires to overheat. Why?

∵ The resistance of the wires is very low.

Electricity and Magnetism 40

 Electromagnetism 23
A Magnetic field patterns
around currents
Straight wire
into paper
current

out of paper
current

Electricity and Magnetism 41

 Electromagnetism 23

• Field pattern:

– concentric circles

– more closely packed near

current

– reverse direction if current is

reversed
I

• Direction can be determined

by right-hand grip rule:
B

Electricity and Magnetism 42

 Electromagnetism 23

Combined field

• Combined field of two opposite currents:

+ =

• Vector sum of individual B-fields

Electricity and Magnetism 43

 Electromagnetism 23

Flat circular coil

• Field pattern of a flat circular coil:

Electricity and Magnetism 44

 Electromagnetism 23

• At the intersection plane:

similar to two opposite currents
I

I
≈
• Two ways to apply right-hand grip rule:
B
I

I
OR

Electricity and Magnetism 45

 Electromagnetism 23

Combining flat coils

• Putting flat coils side by side roughly gives

• If coils are closely packed, distorted loops around

each coil will combine and form a large loop.

Electricity and Magnetism 46

 Electromagnetism 23

Solenoid

• Connecting a series of flat coils together forms a

solenoid.

• Field pattern inside

solenoid:
uniform & parallel to the
axis

Electricity and Magnetism 47

 Electromagnetism 23

• Outside solenoid: similar to a magnet

(enter via S-pole)

• Again, apply right-hand grip rule:

B
N S

Electricity and Magnetism 48

 Electromagnetism 23
Example 1 Resultant magnetic field
due to a wire and magnets
A current-carrying straight wire is placed in the
middle of two large slab magnets. The figure
shows the resultant field pattern.

What is the polarity of each pole piece X

and Y ?

Electricity and Magnetism 49

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

The resultant field pattern is formed by combining

the fields of the magnets and the wire.

Above the wire:

2 fields reinforce each
stronger

other

Below the wire:

2 fields oppose each
weaker

other

Electricity and Magnetism 50

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution Above wire
Above wire
reinforce; below
reinforce; below
wire oppose.
wire oppose.

Resultant B- B-field due to B-field due to

field current magnets

= +

∴ X is N-pole and Y is
S-pole.
Electricity and Magnetism 51
 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 3

1. Two wires carry equal currents in opposite

directions. If a compass is put at A as shown,
in which direction would its needle point?

A. East B. South

C. West D. North

Electricity and Magnetism 52

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 3

2. True or false:

(a) Magnetic field lines do NOT form
closed loops while electric field lines do.

Magnetic field lines do form closed loops while

electric field lines do not.

E.g. B-field around a straight

current-carrying wire

Electricity and Magnetism 53

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 3

2. True or false:

 (b) A long straight current-carrying wire

produces a magnetic field with circular
field lines along the wire.

Electricity and Magnetism 54

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 3

3. Ally sketched the magnetic field

lines around a long straight
current-carrying wire as shown.
Identify the TWO mistakes she
made.

1. Direction should be anticlockwise

2. Field lines should be denser at positions

nearer to the wire

Electricity and Magnetism 55

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 3

4. Some plotting compasses are placed near a

current- carrying flat circular coil and a solenoid
as shown. Sketch arrows to show the directions
of the compass needles in each figure.

(a)

Electricity and Magnetism 56

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 3

4. Sketch arrows to show the directions of the

compass needles in each figure.

(b)

Electricity and Magnetism 57

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 3

5. Label the polarities of the poles. Do the

solenoids attract or repel each other?

(a)

attract

Electricity and Magnetism 58

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 3

5. Label the polarities of the poles. Do the

solenoids attract or repel each other?

(b)

repel

Electricity and Magnetism 59

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 3

6. A current-carrying circular coil is attracted by a

solenoid carrying a current.

(a) Draw arrows to show the direction of the

current in the solenoid.

solenoid circular coil

Electricity and Magnetism 60

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 3

6. A current-carrying circular coil is attracted by a

solenoid carrying a current.

(b) Suggest THREE ways to increase the

attraction.

1. Increase current in the circular coil

2. Increase current in the solenoid

3. Increase turn density of the solenoid

(Or any reasonable answers)

Electricity and Magnetism 61

 Electromagnetism 23
B Calculating the magnitude

Straight wire

• Magnitude of the B-field:

𝜇0 𝐼
𝐵=
I P
2𝜋𝑟
r

where μ0 is permeability of free

space
(= 4π × 10−7 T m A−1).

Electricity and Magnetism 62

 Electromagnetism 23

Note: B

• Since B ∝ ,
r
∴r→∞ ⇒ B→0

• A bundle of current-carrying wires

= a thick wire carrying Itot: Itot

Electricity and Magnetism 63

 Electromagnetism 23

Example 2 Oersted’s experiment

In 1820, H.C. Oersted ( 奧斯特 ) noticed by chance that

a current-carrying wire could deflect a nearby
compass.
The discovery marked the beginning of
electromagnetism.

Electricity and Magnetism 64

 Electromagnetism 23
Suppose the magnetic field required to deflect a
compass needle with a noticeable angle should be
larger than half of the strength of the Earth’s
field.
If Oersted placed the compass 5 cm from the long
straight current-carrying wire, what was the
minimum amount of current carried by the
wire? Assume the Earth’s magnetic field is 50 μT.

Electricity and Magnetism 65

 Electromagnetism 23

Assume the
Assume the Earth’s
Earth’s
Solution

magnetic field
magnetic field is
is 50
50
Let I be the current required. μT.
μT.

Given that the min. B-field required is

half of the Earth’s field:

∴ I = 6.25 A

Electricity and Magnetism 66

 Electromagnetism 23

Example 3 Neutral point

Two parallel long straight wires R and S are 18 cm

apart. The current in R flows into the paper. The
current in S is twice the current in R, with
direction unknown.

Electricity and Magnetism 67

 Electromagnetism 23

Given that the resultant magnetic field at point P

is zero.

(a) What is the direction of the current in S?

Electricity and Magnetism 68

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(a) At P, the B-field due to R points down.

To cancel out that, B-field due to S points up.

BS

∴ Current in S points into the paper.

BR

Electricity and Magnetism 69

 Electromagnetism 23

Given that the resultant magnetic field at point P is

zero.

(b) What is the distance of P from R?

I 2I

Electricity and Magnetism 70

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(b) Let r be the distance of P from R.

Note that .

At P , the two fields cancel out each other:

I 2I

∴ r = 0.06 m = 6 cm

Electricity and Magnetism 71

 Electromagnetism 23

Long solenoid

• Inside infinitely long

solenoid,B = μ nI P
0

I
solenoid of N turns

where n = N/L. magnitude of

magnetic field

Note:
• This does not apply near the
position along the
ends. axis of the solenoid

Electricity and Magnetism 72

 Electromagnetism 23
Example 4 At the centre of a
solenoid

A current-carrying solenoid of length 75 cm and 450

turns
is oriented with its axis along the north-south direction.
The magnetic field at the centre of the solenoid is
zero. N

Electricity and Magnetism 73

 Electromagnetism 23

Assume the Earth’s magnetic field is 50 μT, parallel to

the axis of the solenoid.

(a) What is the direction of the current carried by

the solenoid when viewed from the south?
N

Electricity and Magnetism 74

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(a) The Earth’s magnetic field points north.

To cancel out, the B-field of the solenoid must

point south.

∴ Current flows anticlockwise (viewed from the

south). N
Earth’s
B-field

solenoid’s
B-field

Electricity and Magnetism 75

 Electromagnetism 23

Assume the Earth’s magnetic field is 50 μT, parallel to

the axis of the solenoid.

(b) What is the size of the current carried by the

solenoid? (You may assume that B = μ0nI is valid here.)

450 turns 75 cm

Electricity and Magnetism 76

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(b) B-field at solenoid centre is zero, so

solenoid field = Earth’s field

∴ I ≈ 66.3 mA

450 turns 75 cm

Electricity and Magnetism 77

 Electromagnetism 23

Comparison

Straight wire Long solenoid

I
Itot
Field B
pattern
B

Outside B≈0

Inside — B = μ0nI (uniform)

Electricity and Magnetism 78

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 4

1. True or false:

 (a) The magnetic field inside an infinitely

long solenoid is uniform.

Electricity and Magnetism 79

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 4

1. True or false:

(b) The equation B = µ0nI is applicable to
all solenoids.

It only applies to infinitely long solenoids.

In practice, it can be applied if length >>
diameter.

Electricity and Magnetism 80

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 4

1. True or false:

(c) The magnitude of the magnetic field
around a long straight current-carrying
wire decreases as the inverse square of
the radial distance from the wire.

Electricity and Magnetism 81

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 4

2. How would the magnetic field inside a

solenoid be affected by the following changes
if the current is kept constant?

(a) Doubling the number of turns

Doubled

Electricity and Magnetism 82

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 4

2. How would the magnetic field inside a solenoid

be affected by the following changes if the
current is kept constant?

(b) Doubling the length of the solenoid

Halved

Electricity and Magnetism 83

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 4

2. How would the magnetic field inside a solenoid

be affected by the following changes if the
current is kept constant?

(c) Halving the diameter of the solenoid

Remains unchanged

Electricity and Magnetism 84

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 4

3. Could the magnetic field at the centre of a long

solenoid be strengthened by
(a) doubling the number of turns N and the
length L of the solenoid at the same time?

No

Electricity and Magnetism 85

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 4

3. Could the magnetic field at the centre of a long

solenoid be strengthened by
(b) doubling N, L and the cross section area A
of the solenoid at the same time?

No

Electricity and Magnetism 86

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 4
Takeμμ0==4π
Take 4π××10
10−7−7TTm
mAA−1−1
0

4. Find the directions and magnitudes of the

magnetic fields at points X and Y.
(a)

Electricity and Magnetism 87

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 4
Takeμμ0==4π
Take 4π××10
10−7−7TTm
mAA−1−1
0

4. Find the directions and magnitudes of the

magnetic fields at points X and Y.
(b)

Electricity and Magnetism 88

 Electromagnetism 23
C Electromagnet

• A current-carrying solenoid behaves like a magnet.

• We call it an electromagnet.

• Its polarity & strength are controlled by the current.

coil soft-iron coil soft-iron

core core

no current current

Electricity and Magnetism 89

 Electromagnetism 23
Expt 3 Factors affecting the
strength of an electromagnet
Purpose To investigate the factors affecting the
strength of an electromagnet.

Electricity and Magnetism 90

 Electromagnetism 23
Part A Attaching iron clips

1. Wind a coil of about 20 turns around a soft-iron

bar to make an electromagnet. Pass a current of 1
A through it.

1A

soft-iron bar
1A

Electricity and Magnetism 91

 Electromagnetism 23
Part A Attaching iron clips

2. Place one end of the electromagnet into a

container full of iron paper clips. Take it out gently
and count the number of paper clips attached
Youmay
You mayarrange
arrangethe
the
to it. paperclips
paper clipsinto
intoaachain
chain
electromagnet first.
first.

iron
paper
clips

ammeter

rheostat
power supply

Electricity and Magnetism 92

 Electromagnetism 23
Part B Measuring the force

1. Place the electromagnet slightly above an

electronic balance. Pass a current of 1 A
through the electromagnet.
1A
Or:Place
Or: Placeananiron
ironweight
weighton
onthe
the
electronicbalance
electronic balanceunder
under
the
the electromagnet.
electromagnet.

Electricity and Magnetism 93

 Electromagnetism 23
Part B Measuring the force

2. Record the balance reading by

(a) increasing the size of current flowing

through the electromagnet.
1A
(b) increasing the number of turns of
the coil wound around the soft-iron bar.

(c) replacing the soft-iron bar

with a plastic, a steel and
a copper rod, in turn.

Electricity and Magnetism 94

 Electromagnetism 23
Discussion

What does the number of paper

clips attached represent?

Strength of the electromagnet.

Electricity and Magnetism 95

 Electromagnetism 23

Factors affecting strength

• To strengthen an electromagnet:
I closely
– ↑ current I packed

– ↑ no. of turns per length

soft-iron core
I
– insert soft-iron core

• Core:
soft iron steel copper paper
magnetic material? ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘
strengthen ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘
electromagnet?
easily demagnetized? easy difficult — —
Electricity and Magnetism 96
 Electromagnetism 23
D Applications of electromagnets

Electromagnetic lock
soft-iron
plate electromagnet
• An electromagnetic lock
consist of
– electromagnet

– soft-iron plate
Switch on electromagnet
⇒ attracts soft-iron plate tightly
⇒ door locked
Switch off electromagnet
⇒ electromagnet loses magnetism
⇒ door unlocked

Electricity and Magnetism 97

 Electromagnetism 23

Relay

• Relay is a switch consists

of
Switch on electromagnet
– electromagnet ⇒ attracts iron arm
⇒ closes path AB

– a set of contacts
metal
contacts iron arm attract
B B
A A

electromagnet spring
I

no current current

Electricity and Magnetism 98

 Electromagnetism 23

Electric bell
spring

attract
contact contact
iron hammer
broken
electromagnet

gong

Circuit completes Contact broken

⇒ electromagnet attracts iron hammer ⇒ iron hammer springs back
⇒ hammer hits the gong once ⇒ touches the contact again
⇒ breaks the contact

The process repeats and the bell rings continuously.

How electric bells work

Electricity and Magnetism 99

 Electromagnetism 23

Other applications

Circuit breaker Maglev train

Electricity and Magnetism 100

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 5

1. Which of the following electromagnets is the

strongest?

A. B.

C. D.

Electricity and Magnetism 101

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 5

2. True or false:

(a) An electromagnet usually has an
aluminium core because this type of core
is light.

An electromagnet usually has a soft-iron

core.

Electricity and Magnetism 102

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 5

2. True or false:

(b) There is no change in the strength of
an electromagnet when the length of its
coil is stretched.

Its strength will decrease.

Electricity and Magnetism 103

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 5

2. True or false:

 (c) An electromagnet connected to a dc

power supply can still attract a piece of
iron even when the direction of the
current flowing through it is reversed.

Although its polarity is reversed,

it can still attract a piece of iron.

Electricity and Magnetism 104

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 5

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of

an electromagnet compared with a
permanent magnet?

Advantages: can be switched on and off

its strength and polarity can be controlled

Disadvantages: requires energy to operate

Electricity and Magnetism 105

 Electromagnetism 23
23.3 Magnetic force on a current

• A magnetic field exerts a force on currents.

without magnet:

copper rod

with magnet:

Needle go round

Electricity and Magnetism 106

 Electromagnetism 23
A Direction of the force

Fleming’s left-hand rule

• Direction of the magnetic force can be predicted by

Fleming’s left-hand rule:
magnetic force F

external
magnetic field B

current I

Electricity and Magnetism 107

 Electromagnetism 23
Expt 4 A current-carrying
straight wire in a uniform
magnetic field
Purpose

To study the magnetic force acting on a

current-carrying straight wire in a uniform
magnetic field.

Electricity and Magnetism 108

 Electromagnetism 23
Procedure

1. Put a conducting rider on a pair of copper rails.

Apply a magnetic field over the metal rider.

magnet

Ensurethe
Ensure therider
riderisisfree
freetoto
slideon
slide onthe
therails.
rails.

rider copper rails

Electricity and Magnetism 109

 Electromagnetism 23
Procedure

2. Send a small current current in

magn
through the rider via the et

rails. Observe what happens current

out
to the rider.
ride coppe
r r rails

3. Repeat step 2 by (a)

reversing
the current, and (b)
changing the direction of the
field.
Electricity and Magnetism 110
 Electromagnetism 23
Discussion

What is the relation between magn

the directions of the magnetic I F
et

field, the current and the

B
magnetic force on the rider?
ride coppe
r r rails

They are perpendicular to each other.

Electricity and Magnetism 111

 Electromagnetism 23

Practice makes perfect!

F F
I I

B B
B
I

• Reverse B or I ⇒ F opposite direction

• Reverse both ⇒ F same direction

Electricity and Magnetism 112

 Electromagnetism 23

• Determine the current direction:

N
S

I
F

Electricity and Magnetism 113

 Electromagnetism 23

Field & force

• An external E-field exerts an electric force on a

charge.
• An external B-field exerts a magnetic force on a
current. E F
B
F I

Electricity and Magnetism 114

 Electromagnetism 23

Example 5 Two parallel wires

Currents flowing in parallel wires

experience each other’s
magnetic field and, as a result,
affect each other.

The figure shows two parallel

strips of aluminium foil
carrying currents in the
same direction.

Electricity and Magnetism 115

 Electromagnetism 23

(a) What is the direction of

the magnetic field due
to the current in strip 1 at
the location of strip 2
(viewed from the above)?

Electricity and Magnetism 116

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(a) Clockwise

Electricity and Magnetism 117

 Electromagnetism 23

(b) What is the direction of

the magnetic force
acting on strip 2 by strip
1 (viewed from the
above)?

Electricity and Magnetism 118

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(b) Leftwards

Electricity and Magnetism 119

 Electromagnetism 23
What-if

If the current in strip 2 is

reversed, how do the answers
change?

The magnetic field remains

clockwise, while the magnetic
force points right.

Electricity and Magnetism 120

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 6

1. Name the physical quantities that the Fleming’s

left-hand rule represents and match them

Z: force : magnetic field

with X, Y and Z as shown.
Y

X: current

Electricity and Magnetism 121

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 6

2. What is the direction of the magnetic force on

the wire?
(a)

F: out of paper

Electricity and Magnetism 122

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 6

2. What is the direction of the magnetic force on

the wire?
(b)

F: to the right

Electricity and Magnetism 123

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 6

2. What is the direction of the magnetic force on

the wire?
(c)

𝐹 =0

Electricity and Magnetism 124

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 6

3. If the wire in the figure experiences a

magnetic force pointing out of the paper,
what is the direction of the current it
carries?
(a)

Electricity and Magnetism 125

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 6

3. If the wire in the figure experiences a magnetic

force pointing out of the paper, what is the
direction of the current it carries?
(b)

Electricity and Magnetism 126

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 6

4. The current in Q is larger than that in P.

(a) Which wire experiences a larger

magnetic force exerted by the other?

Same

Electricity and Magnetism 127

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 6

4. The current in Q is larger than that in P.

(b) Do they repel or attract each other?

Repel

Electricity and Magnetism 128

 Electromagnetism 23
B Magnitude of the force

• Factors affecting the magnetic

force F on a straight wire:
– current I

– magnetic field B B

L θ
– length L of wire inside the field I

– angle θ between wire & field

Experiment 5

Electricity and Magnetism 129

 Electromagnetism 23

Expt 5 Measuring the magnetic force

Purpose

To study the factors that affect the

magnetic force acting on a current-carrying
wire. care.
Handlethe
Handle
care. Be
themagnets
Becareful
magnetswith
carefulnot
notto
with
tolet
letthem
them
cling to
cling toeach
eachother.
other.

Electricity and Magnetism 130

 Electromagnetism 23
Part A Force and current

1. Place a copper rod on

a beaker which stands copper rod

on an electronic balance. power

supply
ammeter

2. Connect the rod to a low

electronic balance
voltage power supply
with an ammeter in
Switchoff
Switch offthe
thepower
powersupply
supplyas
as
series. Clamp a pair of soonas
soon aspossible
possibleto
toavoid
avoid
overheating.
overheating.
magnets over the rod.

Electricity and Magnetism 131

 Electromagnetism 23
Part A Force and current

3. Increase the current

iron
gradually up to 3 A. Record block
several pairs of the ammeter
reading I and the balance
reading F. Pickthe
Pick thebeaker
beakerup
upaalittle
little
magnet
bitbefore
bit beforeswitch
switchon
onthe
the
balance.
balance.

4. Plot a graph of F against I.

Electricity and Magnetism 132

 Electromagnetism 23
Part B Force and length

1. Clamp two pairs of magnets

iron
over the rod. block

2. Repeat the measurements magnet

above.

Electricity and Magnetism 133

 Electromagnetism 23
Discussion

1. Could we use an iron rod

instead of a copper rod?
Why or why not? copper

No

∵ Iron would be attracted by the magnet.

Electricity and Magnetism 134

 Electromagnetism 23
Discussion

2. Is it wise to use a smaller beaker

so that the magnets are closer to
the electronic balance? Why?

No

∵ The magnets will affect the balance

reading.

Electricity and Magnetism 135

 Electromagnetism 23

• Formula:
B
F = LI ∙ B sin θ L θ
B I
B⊥ B⊥
θ

Note:
• If I is parallel to B,
B⊥ = 0 ⇒ F=0

• If I is perpendicular to B,
B⊥ = B ⇒ F = Fmax = LIB

Electricity and Magnetism 136

 Electromagnetism 23

Example 6 Earth’s magnetic field

The Earth’s magnetic field B does not go along the

Earth’s surface. For example, here in Hong Kong, it
dips at an angle of 30° 33' to the horizontal.

100 mA

30° 33′

0.2 m

Electricity and Magnetism 137

 Electromagnetism 23

If the field in Hong Kong is 44.4 μT, what is the

magnetic force (direction and magnitude) acting
on a 0.2 m long horizontal wire carrying 100 mA due
north?

100 mA

30° 33′

0.2 m

Electricity and Magnetism 138

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

Using Fleming’s left-hand rule:

F I

B⊥

∴ The force is due

west. 100 mA N

30° 33′

0.2 m

Electricity and Magnetism 139

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

The magnitude is

≈ 4.51 × 10−7 N Thisisiswhy

This whywe weusually
usually
ignorethe
ignore theeffect
effectof
ofthe
the
100 mA Earth’sfield.
Earth’s field.

30° 33′

0.2 m
44.4 μT

Electricity and Magnetism 140

 Electromagnetism 23
Tactics

Step 1: Identify what to 100 mA

find:
• field by current?
30° 33′
• force on current?

0.2 m

Step 2: Identify the

current direction.

I
Step 3: Identify the
B-field component
perpendicular to the B⊥
current.

Electricity and Magnetism 141

 Electromagnetism 23
Tactics

Step 4: Determine the F I

force/field direction using
the rule.
B⊥

Step 5: Calculate the

value using a suitable
F = LIB sin θ
formula.

Electricity and Magnetism 142

 Electromagnetism 23

Example 7 Current balance

A copper frame rests on two razor blades like a

see-saw. Arm XY cuts a uniform field between
two slab-shaped magnets. Arm RS is plugged
with an insulator.
power
supply
current
balance

ammeter

Electricity and Magnetism 143

 Electromagnetism 23

When a current of 2 A is sent through the frame from

Y to X, a rider of 0.16 g has to be placed on arm XY
in order to restore the balance.

(a) Which one is the

S-pole piece, P or Q?
Q
P

Electricity and Magnetism 144

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(a) To balance the weight of the rider,

the magnetic force should point up.
⇒ B-field should point towards P.

F
I

B Q
P

∴ P is an S- QQisisan
anN-pole.
N-pole.

pole.
Electricity and Magnetism 145
 Electromagnetism 23

Takegg==10
Take 10mmss−2−2..

(b) Given the length of the magnets is 5 cm,

estimate the magnitude of the magnetic
field.
I=2A

rider’s mass
= 0.16 g

Electricity and Magnetism 146

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution
Takegg==10
Take 10mmss−2−2..

(b) The magnetic force is balanced

by the weight of the rider:

I=2A

∴ B = 0.016 T rider’s mass

= 0.16 g

Electricity and Magnetism 147

 Electromagnetism 23

Takegg==10
Take 10mmss−2−2..

(c) After the rider is removed, another current is sent

through the frame. This time, two riders (of 0.16
g each) have to be placed on the other side (arm
RS) to restore the balance.

Determine the direction

and estimate the size of
the current.

Electricity and Magnetism 148

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution
Takegg==10
Take 10mmss−2−2..

(c) Magnetic force reverses ⇒ current reverses

∴ Current flows from X to Y.

To balance out the weight of the riders,

∴I=4A

SinceFFBB∝∝I,I,
Since
FF→→2F
2F ⇒ ⇒ II→ →2I.
2I.

Electricity and Magnetism 149

 Electromagnetism 23

(d) Suggest TWO ways to increase the

sensitivity of the set-up to measure current.

Electricity and Magnetism 150

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(d) Use stronger/longer magnets.

Use 2 sets of identical slab-shaped magnets on steel yokes.

ORlonger
OR longerframe
frame
(longermoment
(longer momentarm)
arm)

Electricity and Magnetism 151

 Electromagnetism 23
What-if

(a) If we only have one rider for the set-up,

how can we balance the frame?

Change the distance XY from the pivots.

Electricity and Magnetism 152

 Electromagnetism 23
What-if

(b) Suppose there is a uniform background

magnetic field in the lab and we want to
eliminate the effect of this background
field on the current balance.
What can we do?

We can arrange the set-up

so that XY is parallel to the
background field.

Electricity and Magnetism 153

 Electromagnetism 23

• A current produces a B-field.

• How would this B-field affect another current?

• In other words, how would the two currents interact?

I I

Electricity and Magnetism 154

 Electromagnetism 23

• B-field at wire 2 points out of paper.

• By Fleming’s LHR, force on wire 2 points left.

• By Newton’s 3rd law, force on wire 1 points right.

wire 1 wire 2

I1 I2

B
F1 F2 (out of paper)

Electricity and Magnetism 155

 Electromagnetism 23

Parallel wires

• Attract each other if currents are in same direction

• Repel each other if currents are in opposite directions

attract repel
I
I
I I

Electricity and Magnetism 156

 Electromagnetism 23

• B-field due to wire 1:

wire 1 wire 2

I1 I2

B1
• Force per unit length on wire 2: F1 F2

𝐹2
𝐿
=𝐼 2 𝐵 1= 𝐼 2
𝜇0 𝐼 1
2𝜋 𝑟 ( ) r

• By Newton’s 3rd law, size of F1 equals F2.

Electricity and Magnetism 157

 Electromagnetism 23

Example 8 Three parallel wires

The figure shows the cross sections of three straight

wires P, Q and R. The currents they carried are 1.0 A,
2.0 A and 3.0 A respectively, in the directions as
shown.

Electricity and Magnetism 158

 Electromagnetism 23

(a) In the figure, draw

(i) the force acting on Q by P,

label this force as FPQ.

Electricity and Magnetism 159

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(a) (i) FPQ

Electricity and Magnetism 160

 Electromagnetism 23

(a) In the figure, draw

(i) the force acting on Q by R,

label this force as FRQ.

Electricity and Magnetism 161

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(a) (ii)

FRQ

Electricity and Magnetism 162

 Electromagnetism 23

(b) Calculate the resultant magnetic force per

unit length acting on Q.

FPQ

FRQ

Electricity and Magnetism 163

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution FPQ

(b) P attracts Q.
FRQ

R repels Q.

Electricity and Magnetism 164

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution FPQ

(b) Both forces point leftwards.

FRQ

So, the resultant is

= 8.0 × 10−6 N m−1

pointing leftwards.

Electricity and Magnetism 165

 Electromagnetism 23
What-if

If the current in R goes into the paper instead,

what is the resultant force per unit length on Q?

𝜇0
3 𝜇0
𝜋𝑟
𝜋𝑟

Electricity and Magnetism 166

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 7

1. Kate places a wire carrying a current of 3 A

between a horseshoe magnet. The wire
experiences an upward magnetic force of
F
0.024 N per cm, as shown.

I
Y
X

Electricity and Magnetism 167

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 7

1. (a) Which end is the N-pole, X or Y?

I
Y
X X is the N-pole.

Electricity and Magnetism 168

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 7
Takeμμ0==4π
Take 4π××10
10−7−7TTm
mAA−1−1
0

1. (b) What is the magnitude of the field?

0.024 N per cm

3A
Y
X

Electricity and Magnetism 169

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 7

2. A frame carrying a current of 3 A is placed next

to a straight wire carrying 15 A.

Electricity and Magnetism 170

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 7
Takeμμ0==4π
Take 4π××10
10−7−7TTm
mAA−1−1
0

2. What is the magnetic force per unit length

on the
segment AB by the straight wire? Give both
the magnitude and the direction.

Electricity and Magnetism 171

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 7

3. Several current-carrying rods are put in

different orientations in a uniform magnetic
field of 1 T. The current passing through each
rod is 1 A.

Electricity and Magnetism 172

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 7

3. Find the magnitude of the magnetic force per

unit length acting on each rod.

(a)

1A

1T

Electricity and Magnetism 173

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 7

3. Find the magnitude of the magnetic force per

unit length acting on each rod.

(b) 1T

1A

Electricity and Magnetism 174

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 7

3. Find the magnitude of the magnetic force per

unit length acting on each rod.

(c)

1A

1T

Electricity and Magnetism 175

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 7

4. Two straight wires of the same lengths carrying the

same current are arranged in four ways. Compare
the magnitudes of the magnetic forces between
(I)
each pair of the wires. (II
)

(I) = (II) > (IV) > (III) = 0

(II (I
I) V)

Electricity and Magnetism 176

 Electromagnetism 23

Defining fields from forces

Electric:

Magnetic:

Electricity and Magnetism 177

 Electromagnetism 23
C Turning effect on a coil

Turning effect

• Just like a magnet, a current-carrying coil tends to

turn and align with the B-field.

S
S
N S N S
N
N

current-carrying current-carrying
magnet
solenoid coil

Electricity and Magnetism 178

 Electromagnetism 23

Alternative view
F
clockwise
1. Coil is put in a
magnetic field.

2. Current flows in I
the coil. I

B
3. Opposite force acts
on the two sides. F

4. Net moment turns

the coil.

Electricity and Magnetism 179

 Electromagnetism 23

Calculating the turning moment

• Magnetic force on each arm: L

F = LIB
w
• Moment about the axis:

F B
φ

w
• For a coil of N turns: F

τ = NIBA sin φ

Electricity and Magnetism 180

 Electromagnetism 23
Factors affecting the turning effect
• To increase the turning effect:

– ↑ magnetic field B

– ↑ current I
B
– ↑ no. of turns N I

– ↑ area A of the coil N

( l ↑ F ↑ ; w ↑  ↑) soft-iron
core
– wind the coil on a soft-iron core

Electricity and Magnetism 181

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 8

1. A current-carrying coil is placed in a uniform

magnetic field in three orientations.

(i) (ii) (iii)

Electricity and Magnetism 182

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 8

1. State for each the direction(s) of

(a) the magnetic forces on the two wings X
and Y.

(i) (ii) (iii)

X: always points up
Y: always points down

Electricity and Magnetism 183

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 8

1. State for each the direction(s) of

(b) the turning effect (or turning moment)

(i) (ii) (iii)

no turning
clockwise anticlockwise
effect

Electricity and Magnetism 184

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 8

2. A coil is in a uniform magnetic field of 0.4 T. The

area of the coil is 50 cm2. If a current of 1.2 A
flows in the coil, what is the maximum
turning moment on the coil?

Electricity and Magnetism 185

 Electromagnetism 23
D Motors

Simple dc motor

• A current-carrying coil in a B-field forms a simple

motor.

Coil turns
coil
magnet

Electricity and Magnetism 186

 Electromagnetism 23

Problem arises!
• Beyond vertical position, turning effect reverses in
[Link] anticlockwise

continue to turn
(∵inertia)

Electricity and Magnetism 187

 Electromagnetism 23

Commutator

• To keep the coil rotating in one direction,

we need to connect a special device to the coil.

carbon brushes:
press against commutator

commutator: for better contact

reverses current direction

Electricity and Magnetism 188

 Electromagnetism 23

• When the coil rotates, commutator rotates with the

coil.
• The current direction changes whenever the coil
passes vertical position.

no contact between
commutator & brushes
⇒ no current

Electricity and Magnetism 189

 Electromagnetism 23

• By reversing the direction of the current,

the coil keeps rotating in the same direction.
anticlockwise anticlockwise
Current
reverses

continue to turn
(∵inertia)

No current
No force

Electricity and Magnetism 190

 Electromagnetism 23

Practical motors

• To rotate smoothly at high speed,

practical motor usually contains:
– soft-iron core fixed
soft-iron
core
– several coils at different angle
curved
– curved magnet magnet coils

– some motors have fixed coils

rotating
& rotating magnet

Electricity and Magnetism 191

 Electromagnetism 23

Example 9 Simple dc motor

The figure shows a simple dc motor. When the motor

is connected to the terminals, coil PQRS rotates
continuously in one direction.
coil
magnet

Electricity and Magnetism 192

 Electromagnetism 23

(a) In which direction does coil PQRS rotate as

seen by the observer?

Electricity and Magnetism 193

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(a) Force on PQ points down;

force on RS points up. anticlockwise

I F
B
B
F I

UseFleming’s
Use Fleming’sleft-hand
left-handrule.
rule.

∴ The coil rotates anticlockwise (as seen by the observer).

Electricity and Magnetism 194

 Electromagnetism 23

(b) Name the components X and Y.

What is the function of X?

Y
X

Electricity and Magnetism 195

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(b) X : commutator
Y: brush

A commutator reverses
the current direction
whenever the coil
passes through its
vertical position. Y
X

Electricity and Magnetism 196

 Electromagnetism 23

Example 10 Turning a coil

Paul modifies a simple dc motor by replacing the two

permanent magnets with two electromagnets. When he
closes switch S, coil CDEF rotates continuously in one
direction.

Electricity and Magnetism 197

 Electromagnetism 23

(a) What are the polarities of the electromagnets

at ends P and Q?

P Q

Electricity and Magnetism 198

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(a) By right-hand grip rule,

P is S-pole & Q is N-pole. P Q

P Q

N S N S

Electricity and Magnetism 199

 Electromagnetism 23

(b) If the battery is replaced by an ac supply, does

the coil oscillate instead of rotating in one
direction? Explain briefly.

Electricity and Magnetism 200

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(b) No, the coil still rotates in one direction.

Voltage reverses
⇒ current in coil & polarities of solenoids both
reverse
⇒ same rotation direction

Electricity and Magnetism 201

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 9

1. The figure shows a coil in a simple dc motor.

The magnetic field is constant and uniform.

Electricity and Magnetism 202

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 9

1. Complete the table.

(a) (b) (c)

current direction in 0 X→Y
Y→X
coil
0 F0, downward
force on wing X F0, upward
F0, 0 F0, upward
force on wing Y 0 0
downward
net force on coil 0 0 τ0, clockwise
τ0,
net moment
Electricity and Magnetism clockwise 203
 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 9

2. Consider a current-carrying coil in a magnetic

field. If both the current in the coil and the
magnetic field are reversed, what will happen
to the direction of coil rotation?

Remains unchanged

Electricity and Magnetism 204

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 9

3. Peter made the following dc motor model.

Identify the mistake(s) that he has made.

1. One of the S-pole should be

a N-pole.

2. The coil should be

connected to a commutator.

Electricity and Magnetism 205

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 9

4. The figure shows a simple dc motor. The

commutator reverses the current in the coil as it
rotates. How many times is the current
reversed if the coil rotates once?

Two times

Electricity and Magnetism 206

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 9

5. List THREE methods that can increase the

rotational speed of a simple dc motor.

1. Use a stronger magnet

2. Increase the no. of turns of coil

3. Increase the current passing through the coil

(Or any reasonable answers)

Electricity and Magnetism 207

 Electromagnetism 23
23.4 Moving charges in magnetic fields

• Current is just a flow of charges.

• Force on current = resultant force on individual

charges
proton beam (+)

force
B-field

+qv

Electricity and Magnetism 208

 Electromagnetism 23

• When B-field reverses, magnetic force also reverses.

proton beam (+)

B-field +qv
force

Electricity and Magnetism 209

 Electromagnetism 23
A Magnitude of the force

Consider N particles travelling in a magnetic

field. q
v
after vΔt

B
L = vΔt

• Current I = Q/t = Nq/Δt

• Resultant magnetic
force

Electricity and Magnetism 210

 Electromagnetism 23

• Magnetic force on each charge:

F = qvB sin θ
B⊥
Note:
• If the charge is at rest,
v=0 ⇒ F=0
• If v is ∥ to B,
θ = 0° or 180° ⇒ F=0
• If v is ⊥ to B,
θ = 90° ⇒ F = qvB

Electricity and Magnetism 211

 Electromagnetism 23
B Direction of the force

• To apply Fleming’s left-hand rule, remember a track:

The conventional current I refers to

movement of the positive charges.

– For negative charges, point against charges motion.

Electricity and Magnetism 212

 Electromagnetism 23

Try to determine the force direction.

electron beam

force
+qv

B-field
Note:
• F always ⊥ v ⇒ B-field never do work on a charge

Electricity and Magnetism 213

 Electromagnetism 23

Expt 6 Deflection of an electron beam

Purpose

To study qualitatively the deflection of an

electron beam in a magnetic field with a
deflection tube.

Electricity and Magnetism 214

 Electromagnetism 23
Procedure

1. Set up the apparatus below in a dark room.

2. Set the EHT supply to about 2.5 kV to produce

a beam on the screen.
deflection tube
EHT supply
screen

Electricity and Magnetism 215

 Electromagnetism 23
Procedure

3. Deflect the beam with a bar magnet.

4. Reverse the pole of the magnet, and repeat step

3.
deflected
deflection tube
EHT supply electron beam
screen

bar magnet

Electricity and Magnetism 216

 Electromagnetism 23
Discussion

1. Can the direction of

deflection be predicted?

Yes
(by Fleming’s left-hand rule)

Electricity and Magnetism 217

 Electromagnetism 23
Discussion

2. What happens to the

deflection if a stronger
magnet is used?

The electron beam deflects to

a larger extent.

Electricity and Magnetism 218

 Electromagnetism 23
Example 11 Magnetic force on a
proton
A proton enters a cubic region of
uniform magnetic field at a cubic region of
uniform B-field
speed v.

• If it enters along the x-

axis,
it experiences no force. will experience
no force
• If it enters along the z- will deflect in
the direction of +y
axis,
it experiences a force F in
the direction of +y.
Electricity and Magnetism 219
 Electromagnetism 23

(a) Find the direction of the magnetic field.

cubic region of
uniform B-field

will experience
no force
will deflect in
the direction of +y

Electricity and Magnetism 220

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(a) First, the field lines must be in direction of +x or

−x .
(∵ The proton entering along x-axis experiences
no force.)

will experience
no force

Electricity and Magnetism 221

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(a) Second, when the proton moves along the z-axis,

it experiences a force in the +y-direction.

will deflect in
the direction of +y UseFleming’s
Fleming’s
∴ The field must point along the +x-direction.
Use
left-handrule.
left-hand rule.

Electricity and Magnetism 222

 Electromagnetism 23

(b) If the speed v is 5.0 × 106 m s−1, the force F

is 8.0 × 10−14 N.

Given that the charge of a proton is +1.60 ×

10−19 C,
calculate the magnitude of the field B.

no force
deflect in +y-direction

Electricity and Magnetism 223

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(b) By F = qvB⊥,

∴ The magnetic field is 0.1 T.

no force
deflect in +y-direction

Electricity and Magnetism 224

 Electromagnetism 23

(c) When the proton leaves the region, will it

move faster, slower or at the same speed
as v?

no force
deflect in +y-direction

Electricity and Magnetism 225

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(c) Same speed as v

(∵ magnetic fields never do work on charges).
Themagnetic
The magneticforce
force
changesthe
changes thedirection
directionof
of
travelof
travel ofthe
theproton
protononly.
only.

no force
deflect in +y-direction

Electricity and Magnetism 226

 Electromagnetism 23

Example 12 Crossed fields

A positive ion of charge +q is projected

horizontally into the gap between two charged
parallel plates. The electric field in the gap is 2500
V m−1. uniform E-field

v v

plates:~1
plates: ~1mmlong
long
gap:~1
gap: ~1cmcmwide
wide

Electricity and Magnetism 227

 Electromagnetism 23
Themutually
The mutuallyperpendicular
perpendicularelectric
electric&&
magneticfields
magnetic fieldsare
areoften
oftencalled
calledcrossed
crossedfields.
fields.

A uniform magnetic field is applied to the gap so that

the two fields are perpendicular to each other. The
ion passes through the gap without deflection at 5.50
km s−1. 2500 V m−1

v v

uniform B-field

Electricity and Magnetism 228

 Electromagnetism 23

(a) Find the direction and magnitude of the

magnetic field.

2500 V m−1

v v

uniform B-field

Electricity and Magnetism 229

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution 2500 V m−1

(a) For the ion to pass

5.50 km s−1 5.50 km s−1

through the gap without

deflection,
uniform B-field

qvB

qE

UsingFleming’s
Fleming’s
= 0.455 T (into the paper)
Using
left-handrule.
left-hand rule.

Electricity and Magnetism 230

 Electromagnetism 23

(b) If an electron is projected horizontally into the

gap at the same velocity, will it pass through
the gap without deflection? Explain briefly.
uniform E-field

?
v

uniform B-field

Electricity and Magnetism 231

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(b) Yes
qE

∵ Both forces are reversed v

and remain balanced. qvB

uniform E-field

v v

uniform B-field

Electricity and Magnetism 232

 Electromagnetism 23

(c) Sketch the path of the positive ion

(i) if a stronger magnetic field is applied,

Electricity and Magnetism 233

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution
qvB

(c) (i) v
magneticforce
magnetic force(qvB)
(qvB)
qE >>electric
electricforce
force(qE)
(qE)

Electricity and Magnetism 234

 Electromagnetism 23

(c) Sketch the path of the positive ion

(i) if the pd across the parallel plates is

increased.

Electricity and Magnetism 235

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(c) (ii)
qvB

v
magneticforce
magnetic force(qvB)
(qvB)
<<electric
electricforce
force(qE)
(qE)
qE

Electricity and Magnetism 236

 Electromagnetism 23
Tactics

Step 1: Identify sign of charge.

(Regard −q going forwards as +q
going backwards.)

Step 2: Identify the field:

• E only
• B only
• E×B

Step 3: Set up equations:

• E only: qE = ma
• B only: qvB = mv2/r
• E × B: qvB = qE

Electricity and Magnetism 237

 Electromagnetism 23
What-if

What if the speed of the ion is higher or lower than

5.50 km s−1?

The ion will deflect.

uniform E-field

uniform B-field

Electricity and Magnetism 238

 Electromagnetism 23

Velocity selector

• consists of uniform B-field ⊥ uniform E-field

B-field
qvB > qE (moving fast)
qvB
qvB = qE ⇒ v = E/B

qE
qvB < qE (moving slow)

E-field

⇒ Only charges moving at v = E/B can pass the

fields.

Electricity and Magnetism 239

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 10

1. True or false:

(a) A charged particle moving in a
magnetic field must experience a
magnetic force.

Charged particles moving parallel to

the B-field do not experience magnetic
forces.

Electricity and Magnetism 240

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 10

1. True or false:

(b) A charged particle deflected in a
region MUST be due to the presence of a
magnetic field in the region.

An electric field can also deflect a charged

particle.

Electricity and Magnetism 241

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 10

1. True or false:

 (c) A neutron moving in a magnetic field

does NOT experience a magnetic force.

Electricity and Magnetism 242

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 10

1. True or false:

 (d) The direction of the magnetic force

acting on a negatively charged particle is
opposite to that on a positively charged
particle.

Electricity and Magnetism 243

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 10

1. True or false:

 (e) The KE of a charged particle CANNOT

be changed by a magnetic force.

Magnetic force never do work on a moving

charge.

Electricity and Magnetism 244

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 10

2. A charged particle moves at 1 m s−1 and carries

a charge of magnitude 1.60 × 10−19 C. All the
magnetic fields shown are uniform and have
the same magnitude of 0.5 T.

Electricity and Magnetism 245

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 10

2. Find the magnitude and direction of the

magnetic force acting on each charged particle.

(a)

1.60 × 10−19 C 1 m s−1

0.5 T

F = (1.60 × 10−19)(1)(0.5)
= 8 × 10−20 N
(upwards)
Electricity and Magnetism 246
 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 10

2. Find the magnitude and direction of the

magnetic force acting on each charged particle.

(b)
1 m s−1 1.60 × 10 C
−19

0.5 T

F = (1.60 × 10−19)(1)(0.5)
= 8 × 10−20 N (out of the
paper)
Electricity and Magnetism 247
 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 10

2. Find the magnitude and direction of the

magnetic force acting on each charged particle.

(c)
1 m s−1 1.60 × 10 C
−19

0.5 T

F=
0

Electricity and Magnetism 248

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 10

2. Find the magnitude and direction of the

magnetic force acting on each charged particle.

(d)

0.5 T
1 m s−1

F = (1.60 × 10−19)(1)(0.5) sin

1.60 × 10−19 C

45°
= 5.66 × 10−20 N (into the
paper)
Electricity and Magnetism 249
 Electromagnetism 23
C Circular motion

• A charge moves at v

constant speed in a
uniform B-field. F

⇒ Magnetic force on it
always ⊥ v

⇒ keeps deflecting

⇒ performs uniform
circular motion

Electricity and Magnetism 250

 Electromagnetism 23
v
• The centripetal force is provided
F
by the magnetic force:
r
𝑚𝑣 2
𝑞𝑣𝐵=
𝑟

∴ Radius and period

Note:
• T is independent of v and r.

• m/q is called the mass-to-charge ratio.

Electricity and Magnetism 251

 Electromagnetism 23

Example 13 Mass spectrometer

A particle of mass 3.90 × 10−25 kg and charge 1.60 ×

10−19 C is projected into a uniform magnetic field
of magnitude
0.85 T perpendicularly at a speed of 1.15 × 105 m
s−1.

Electricity and Magnetism 252

 Electromagnetism 23

Under the influence of the magnetic field, the particle

eventually leaves the field from the same boundary
in the opposite direction as shown.

Electricity and Magnetism 253

 Electromagnetism 23

(a) Sketch the path of the particle within the

magnetic field.

Electricity and Magnetism 254

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(a) ∵ Velocity of the particle ⊥ the B-field,

it undergoes circular motion within the field.
∴ The path should be a semicircle as shown.

Electricity and Magnetism 255

 Electromagnetism 23

(b) Calculate the distance between the points where

the particle enters and leaves the field
respectively.

Electricity and Magnetism 256

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(b) Radius of the path

∴ The required distance is 2r ≈ 0.660 m.

Electricity and Magnetism 257

 Electromagnetism 23

(c) Find the time of flight of the particle within the

magnetic field.

Electricity and Magnetism 258

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(c) Time of flight

= 9.01 × 10−6 s

Electricity and Magnetism 259

 Electromagnetism 23

(d) If another heavier charged particle of the same

charge is projected into the field at the same velocity v,
compare the path taken by this particle with the
one in (a) with the aid of a sketch.
uniform magnetic field Here,heavier
Here, heavier
meanslarger
means largermass.
mass.

v
M
Q

Electricity and Magnetism 260

 Electromagnetism 23
Solution

(d) Since r ∝ m, heavier charged particle moves in a

larger semicircular path as shown.

Electricity and Magnetism 261

 Electromagnetism 23

Mass spectrometer

• velocity selector & uniform B-field

• Basic principle: velocity

selector
ion
beam
– Charged particles of same v
ion
are projected ⊥ to B-field. source B-field

– Particles of different m/q ratios

move in circular paths of different radii.

⇒ Identify different particles from their radii. detectors

Electricity and Magnetism 262

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 11

1. True or false:

(a) A charged particle CANNOT perform a
uniform motion in a uniform magnetic
field.

Electricity and Magnetism 263

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 11

1. True or false:

 (b) A charged particle MUST undergo a

uniform circular motion in a uniform
magnetic field if its initial velocity is
perpendicular to the field.

Electricity and Magnetism 264

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 11

1. True or false:

(c) When a charged particle performs a
circular motion in a uniform magnetic
field, its frequency of rotation increases
with its speed.

Electricity and Magnetism 265

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 11

2. Describe the subsequent motions of the

charged particles when they are given the
initial velocities indicated by the arrows.
(Assume the magnetic fields are uniform and
extend to infinity.)

(a) Uniform circular motion

in clockwise direction

Electricity and Magnetism 266

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 11

2. Describe the subsequent motions of the

charged particles when they are given the
initial velocities indicated by the arrows.
(Assume the magnetic fields are uniform and
extend to infinity.)

(b)
Moves downward at
constant speed

Electricity and Magnetism 267

 Electromagnetism 23
Checkpoint 11

2. Describe the subsequent motions of the

charged particles when they are given the
initial velocities indicated by the arrows.
(Assume the magnetic fields are uniform and
extend to infinity.)

(c) Deflects out of the paper

and performs uniform
circular motion

Electricity and Magnetism 268