Electromagnetism 29 JULY 2014 Lesson Description: Magnetic Effect of An Electric Current

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ELECTROMAGNETISM 29 JULY 2014

Lesson Description
In this lesson, we:
 Discuss the magnetic effect of an electric current
 Discuss electromagnetic induction and Faraday’s law

Summary
Magnetic Effect of an Electric Current
A magnetic field is the area in which a magnetic object experiences a magnetic force.
When a current flows through a conductor a magnetic field is created around the conductor. The
direction of the magnetic field is defined as the direction in which a north pole of a compass will point.
When a current passes through a conductor a magnetic field is created around the conductor. The
magnetic field has the following properties:
 it is in a plane perpendicular to the current-carrying conductor
 it is strongest close to the conductor
 the direction of magnetic field is given by the direction in which a compass needle points
 if the current is reversed then the magnetic field direction is reversed
 it is continuous, but represented by magnetic field lines
 it is three dimensional

Magnetic Field around Conductors


For a straight conductor the magnetic field around the conductor is circular in pattern. The direction
of the magnetic field can be found using the right hand rule.
The right hand rule states that if the straight conductor is held in the right hand so that the thumb
points in the direction of the conventional current then the curled fingers so the direction of the
magnetic field.
The field around a circular conductor is shown below:

When several coils are placed together, a solenoid is formed. When a current is passed through a
solenoid, an electromagnet is formed. The magnetic field around a solenoid is similar in pattern as the
pattern around a bar magnet.
The strength of the magnetic field around a solenoid depends on

 the number of coils (known as turns)


 the strength of the current
 the type of metal placed in the core of the solenoid

Electromagnetic Induction
When a magnetic field moves relative to a conductor it induces a
current inside the conductor. The induced current depends on

 the speed of the movement of the magnet relative to the


conductor
 the magnitude of the change in magnetic flux
 the number of turns in the solenoid

The induced current flows in such a direction that its magnetic field
opposes the changing magnetic field that induced it.

The direction of the induced current can be determined by the right


hand rule. With the right hand hold the solenoid so that the fingers
curl in the direction of the current and the outstretched thumb
points in the direction of north pole.

Magnetic flux
Magnetic flux is the product of the perpendicular component of the magnetic field (B) and the area (A)
through which it cuts.
Magnetic flux can be calculated using the following equation:
Φ = magnetic flux – measured in weber (Wb)
B = magnetic field strength – measured in tesla (T)
2
A = area – measure in m
Θ = angle between B and the normal to the area A.

Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction


Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic induction states that when a magnetic field moves relative to a
conductor, an emf is induced in the conductor. The induced emf in the conductor is directly
proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux.
Ɛ = induced emf (V)
N = number of turns
Φ = change in magnetic flux (Wb)
t = time (s)
The magnitude of the induced emf depends on
 area covered by the magnetic field
 strength of the magnetic field
 rate of change of magnetic flux
 number of turns
Test Yourself
Question 1
Which of the following will represent the magnetic field associated with a current-carrying conductor if the current
flows into the plane of the page?

Question 2
In the diagram below, a conductor placed between two magnets is carrying current out of the page.

The direction of the force exerted on the conductor is towards:


A. I B. II C. III D. IV

Question 3
An area where a magnetic material will experience a force is called ..........
A. Electric field
B. Magnetic field
C. Gravitational field
D. Electrostatic field

Question 4
Which one of the following does not have an effect on the magnitude of the induced emf.
A. Strength of the magnetic field
B. Rate of change of magnetic flux
C. Type of insulating material on the conductor
D. Number of turns

Question 5
What type of field is created around a current-carrying conductor?
A. Electric field
B. Magnetic field
C. Gravitational field
D. Electrostatic field
Question 6
The following instrument is used to determine the north pole of an electromagnet.
A. Galvanometer
B. Compass
C. Electroscope
D. Voltmeter

Question 7
The unit of measurement for magnetic flux is the ...
A. Tesla
B. Weber
C. Volt
D. Second

Question 8
Give one word or phrase for the following:
(a) The product of the perpendicular component of the magnetic field and the area through which
it cuts.
(b) The product of the rate of change of the magnetic flux and the number of turns in a coil.
(c) The unit in which the strength of the magnetic field is measured.

Improve your Skills


Question 1
Complete the following sketch diagrams, by clearly indicating the direction of the current and the
direction of the associated magnetic field:

1.1 A conductor connected to a battery of two cells

1.2 A coil of wire connected to a battery of two cells

1.3 The view of the solenoid when looking from position X


Question 2
The diagram below illustrates a bar magnet moving towards a coil connected to a galvanometer that
measures potential difference.

+ -

2.1 Describe what you would observe on the galvanometer if the magnet moves quickly into the
coil and then stops.

2.2 Use the diagram to illustrate what happens when the magnet is pulled out of the coil quickly.

Question 3
2
A solenoid with 450 turns has a cross-sectional area of 176 cm . It is positioned perpendicular to a
uniform magnetic field of 0,72 T.
3.1 Calculate the flux through the solenoid.
3.2 Calculate the induced emf if the solenoid is pulled out of the magnetic field in 0,22 s

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