INTRODUCTION

In the study of physics, Electricity and Magnetism are closely

linked, forming two fundamental aspects of electromagnetism.
The chapter on "Moving Charges and Magnetism" explores
this fascinating relationship, focusing on how moving electric
charges give rise to magnetic fields and how magnetic forces
act on moving charges.

The discovery of the connection between electricity and

magnetism dates back to the early 19th century when Hans
Christian Ørsted observed that an electric current flowing
through a wire deflects a nearby compass needle. This
observation led to the understanding that a moving electric
charge, or current, produces a **magnetic field** around it.
This magnetic field can, in turn, exert forces on other moving
charges or magnetic materials.

Key concepts covered in this chapter include:

 Magnetic Field and its Representation : How

magnetic fields are generated around current-carrying
conductors and how these fields are depicted using field
lines.
 Biot-Savart Law : A fundamental law that quantifies the
magnetic field produced at a point due to a small segment
of current-carrying wire.
 Ampere's Circuital Law: A law that relates the magnetic
field in a closed loop to the electric current passing
through the loop.
 Magnetic Force on a Moving Charge: The force
experienced by a moving charge in a magnetic field,
commonly referred to as the Lorentz force.
 Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor: How
a magnetic field influences a conductor carrying electric
current.
 Motion of Charged Particles in Magnetic and
Electric Fields: Analyzing the trajectories of charged
particles when subjected to magnetic fields, including
applications like cyclotrons and mass spectrometers.
Through these topics, students gain a deeper understanding of
the principles of electromagnetism, a cornerstone in modern
physics, which has led to technologies like electric motors,
generators, transformers, and more.

Understanding the interaction between moving charges and

magnetism is essential for comprehending various physical
phenomena and plays a critical role in both theoretical and
applied physics.
The interaction between moving electric charges and magnetic
fields forms the foundation of electromagnetism. When charges
move, they generate magnetic fields, and in turn, these
magnetic fields exert forces on other moving charges or
current-carrying conductors. The study of this phenomenon is
essential in understanding both natural and technological
systems.

1. Magnetic Field Due to a Moving Charge

A moving charge creates a magnetic field around it. The

magnitude and direction of the magnetic field depend on the
velocity of the charge and the distance from the charge to the
point of interest. The strength of the magnetic field is given by
the Biot-Savart law (for current elements), but for a single
charge, it is a vector field.

2. Magnetic Field Due to a Current-Carrying Conductor

When an electric current flows through a conductor, it creates a

magnetic field around it. The direction of the magnetic field can
be determined using the right-hand thumb rule: If the thumb
of the right hand points in the direction of current, the curled
fingers show the direction of the magnetic field.

 Biot-Savart Law: The Biot-Savart law gives the magnetic

field (B) at a point due to a small current element:

where:

 μ0 is the permeability of free space (4π×10−7 T m/A)

 I is the current in the conductor
 dI is the small length element of the conductor
 r is the position vector from the current element to the
point where the magnetic field is being calculated
 r is the distance between the current element and the
point.
 3. Ampere's Circuital Law

Ampere's circuital law provides a relationship between the

magnetic field in a closed loop and the total current passing
through that loop. It is mathematically expressed as:

where:

 B is the magnetic field

 dI is the infinitesimal element of the loop
 Ienc is the total current enclosed by the loop.
This law is especially useful for calculating the magnetic field in
situations with high symmetry, such as a long straight current-
carrying wire, solenoid, or toroid.

4. Magnetic Force on a Moving Charge (Lorentz Force)

A moving charge in a magnetic field experiences a force known

as the Lorentz force. The magnitude of the force depends on
the charge, velocity of the charge, and the strength and
direction of the magnetic field.

The Lorentz force is given by:

where:

 F is the magnetic force

 q is the charge
 v is the velocity of the charge
 B is the magnetic field.

The direction of the force can be determined using the right-

hand rule: If the fingers point in the direction of the velocity v
and the magnetic field B points in the direction of the palm,
then the thumb points in the direction of the force for a positive
charge. For a negative charge, the force will be in the opposite
direction.

5. Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

A conductor carrying current in the presence of a magnetic

field experiences a force. The force acting on a segment of the
conductor is given by:

where:

 F is the force
 I is the current
 L is the length of the conductor in the magnetic field
 B is the magnetic field.

This principle is widely used in electric motors, where the

interaction between current and magnetic fields generates
mechanical force.

6. Motion of a Charged Particle in a Magnetic Field

When a charged particle moves perpendicular to a uniform

magnetic field, it undergoes circular motion due to the
magnetic force acting as a centripetal force. The radius r of the
circular path is given by:

where:

 m is the mass of the particle

 v is the velocity of the particle
 q is the charge
 B is the magnetic field strength.

This principle is applied in devices like cyclotrons and mass

spectrometers, where the path of charged, particles is
controlled using magnetic fields.
 7. Torque on a Current Loop in a Magnetic Field

When a current-carrying loop is placed in a magnetic field, it

experiences a torque that tends to align the plane of the loop
perpendicular to the magnetic field. The torque (τ) is given by:

where:

 n is the number of turns in the loop

 I is the current
 A is the area of the loop
 B is the magnetic field
 θ is the angle between the normal to the loop and the
magnetic field.

This concept is utilized in the working of electric motors and

galvanometers.

1. Biot-Savart Law

The magnetic field B at a point due to a small current

element:
 Where:

 μ0 = 4π×10−7 T m/A is the permeability of free space

 I is the current
 dl is the small length element of the conductor
 r is the distance from the element to the point
 r is the position vector from the current element to the
point.

2. Magnetic Field Due to a Long Straight Current-

Carrying Conductor

Where:

 I is the current in the conductor

 r is the perpendicular distance from the conductor to the
point.

3. Ampere's Circuital Law

The line integral of the magnetic field around a closed loop is

equal to μ0 times the total current enclosed by the loop:

Where:

 Ienc is the current enclosed by the loop.

4. Magnetic Force on a Moving Charge (Lorentz Force)

 Where:

 q is the charge
 v is the velocity of the charge
 B is the magnetic field
 F is the force.

5. Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

Where:

 I is the current
 L is the length of the conductor in the magnetic field
 B is the magnetic field
 F is the force on the conductor.

6. Torque on a Current Loop in a Magnetic Field

Where:

 n is the number of turns in the loop

 I is the current
 A is the area of the loop
 B is the magnetic field
 θ is the angle between the magnetic field and the normal
to the plane of the loop.

7. Magnetic Field at the Center of a Circular Loop

Where:
  I is the current
 R is the radius of the loop.

8. Radius of the Circular Path of a Charged Particle in a

Magnetic Field

Where:

 m is the mass of the particle

 v is the velocity of the particle
 q is the charge
 B is the magnetic field.

9. Cyclotron Frequency (Angular Frequency of a Charged

Particle in Magnetic Field)

Where:

 ω is the angular frequency

 q is the charge of the particle
 B is the magnetic field
 m is the mass of the particle.
Here are some key calculations related to moving
charges and magnetism :

1. Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

Example: A straight wire of length L = 0.5 carries a current I =
10 A and is placed in a uniform magnetic field B = 0.3 T at an
angle of 30∘ to the field. Calculate the force acting on the wire.

Formula:

Calculation:

2. Magnetic Field due to a Straight Current-Carrying

Conductor

Example: Calculate the magnetic field B at a distance r = 0.1

m from a long straight wire carrying a current I = 5 A.

Formula:

Where: μ0 = 4π × 10−7 T m/A

Calculation:

3. Magnetic Flux

Example: Calculate the magnetic flux Φ through a circular coil

of radius r= 0.1 m placed in a magnetic field B = 0.2 T
perpendicular to the plane of the coil.
Formula:

Where: A = πr2

Calculation:

4. Induced EMF Using Faraday's Law

Example: A loop of wire with an area of 0.01 m2 is placed in

a magnetic field that changes from 0.1 T to 0.5 T in 2s.
Calculate the induced EMF.

Formula:

Calculation:

5. Lorentz Force on a Moving Charge

Example: Calculate the force on a charge q = 2 μC moving

with a velocity v = 3 × 106 m/s perpendicular to a magnetic
field B = 0.5 T

Formula:
Calculation:

1. Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor vs. Magnetic

Field Strength
  Description: The force F increases linearly with the
magnetic field strength B.

2. Magnetic Field Strength vs. Distance from a Long

Straight Wire

Description: The magnetic field strength B decreases as the

distance r from the wire increases, following an inverse
relationship.
3. Magnetic Flux vs. Time for a Changing Magnetic
Field

Description: The magnetic flux Φ increases linearly with

time t if the magnetic field is increasing uniformly.

4. Induced EMF vs. Time

Description: The induced electromotive force E increases

linearly over time t with a changing magnetic field.
5. Lorentz Force vs. Velocity of a Charge

Description: The Lorentz force F increases linearly with the

velocity v of the moving charge.

CONCLUSION
The study of moving charges and magnetism is a fundamental
aspect of electromagnetism, which plays a crucial role in our
understanding of the physical world. Here are some key points
that summarize the importance and implications of this topic:

1. Interrelation of Electricity and Magnetism: Moving

electric charges create magnetic fields, and conversely,
changing magnetic fields can induce electric currents. This
interdependence is encapsulated in Maxwell's equations,
which form the foundation of classical electromagnetism.
2. Applications in Technology: The principles of moving
charges and magnetism are employed in various
technologies, including electric motors, generators,
transformers, and magnetic storage devices. These
applications are vital for modern electrical engineering
and technology, powering everything from household
appliances to large industrial machinery.
3. Electromagnetic Induction: Faraday's law of
electromagnetic induction highlights the significance of
changing magnetic fields in generating electric current.
This principle is crucial for the operation of many devices,
such as inductors and transformers, making it a
cornerstone of electrical power generation and
transmission.
4. Magnetic Fields and Forces: The behaviour of charged
particles in magnetic fields is governed by the Lorentz
force, which describes how charges are deflected when
moving through a magnetic field. This principle is
foundational in particle physics and plays a critical role in
the design of devices like cyclotrons and mass
spectrometers.
5. Impact on Scientific Research: Understanding the
behaviour of moving charges and magnetic fields has led
to significant advancements in scientific research. It has
paved the way for technologies such as MRI machines in
medical imaging, particle accelerators in physics, and the
development of various sensors and instrumentation.
6. Exploration of the Universe: The principles of
electromagnetism are not limited to Earth; they also help
us understand cosmic phenomena. For example, the
behaviour of charged particles in the solar wind and their
 interaction with planetary magnetic fields are crucial for
understanding space weather and planetary atmospheres.

The study of moving charges and magnetism not only provides

essential insights into the fundamental laws of physics but also
drives technological innovation and scientific discovery. As we
continue to explore and harness these principles, we unlock
new possibilities for advancing our understanding of the
universe and improving our daily lives.

Bibliography
 Khan Academy. (n.d.). Electromagnetism. Retrieved from
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/electricity-
and-magnetism
 HyperPhysics. (n.d.). Magnetism. Retrieved from
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/mag
con.html
 Coursera. (n.d.). Electricity and Magnetism. Retrieved
from https://www.coursera.org/learn/electricity-and-
magnetism
 YouTube: MinutePhysics. (2013). Electromagnetism:
Moving Charges and Magnetic Fields. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq5pXq1u5M0
