CH-2 : MAGNETIC EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC CURRENT PHYSICS / CLASS-X

MAGNETIC EFFECT OF
2
ELECTRIC CURRENT
CONCEPT TREE

Magnetic field due to current

passing through a circular loop

Magnetic field due to

Magnetic field and field lines current in a solenoid

Magnetic field due to

straight conductor

Force on a current carrying conductor kept in a magnetic field

Electric motor and electric generator

Domestic electrical circuits

2.1 - INTRODUCTION

It was found that magnetism and electricity are related to each other. This means that electricity can be
used for the generation of electromagnetic effect and this effect is called electromagnetism. Similarly
changing magnetic field can produce electricity, this is called electromagnetic induction.

Magnetism has been a source of curiosity for ages. Magnets are commonly found in science laboratories,
toys and in the magnetic stickers that we stick to refrigerators and steel almirahs. The earth itself acts as
a magnet. Actually, magnets are all around us, since each electron, proton and neutron behaves as a tiny
magnet. Magnetism has many uses –– from the simple magnetic sticker to magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI). MRI is a diagnostic technique in which the magnetism of the protons inside the human body is
used to form images of tissues.

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Knowledge Based Questions:

1. A charge whenever in motion has

(A) only magnetic field linked with it (B) only electric field linked with it
(C) both electric and magnetic field linked with it
(D) only gravitational field linked with it.

2. Magnetic forces
(A) are always attractive (B) are always repulsive
(C) may be attractive or repulsive (D) none of these

3. Magnetic field is generated by

(A) stone (B) mud (C) magnet (D) iron piece

4. A magnetic needle comes to rest in

(A) geographic East-west direction (B) geographic North-south direction
(C) vertical direction (D) in North-east direction

5. The device used for producing electric current is called

(A) generator (B) galvanometer (C) ammeter (D) motor

6. In an electric motor, conversion takes place of

(A) Chemical energy into electrical energy (B) Electrical energy into mechanical energy
(C) Electrical energy into light (D) Electrical energy into chemical energy

7. A magnet can be demagnetised by

(A) Hammering the magnet (B) Putting it in the water
(C) Cooling it (D) Putting in contact with iron

8. Which one of the following is the magnetic substance

(A) Mercury (B) Iron (C) Gold (D) Silver

9. Generally permanent magnets are prepared from

(A) Gold (B) Silver (C) Iron (D) Steel

10. If iron filings are sprinkled around a bar magnet then they arrange in a fixed pattern which is
(A) magnetic field lines pattern (B) Electric field lines pattern
(C) Faraday’s electric field lines pattern. (D) None of these

2.2 - MAGNET

A substance which attracts small pieces of iron, nickel, cobalt and steel and points in North-South
direction when freely suspended (or hanged freely) is known as a magnet.
Natural magnets are irregular in shape, moreover they are weak magnets. An iron bar can be made a
magnet by rubbing it with a natural magnet. Such a magnet is known as Man made or artificial magnet.
Like magnetic poles (i.e. North and North or South and South) repel each other while unlike magnetic
poles attract each other.

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Magnetite is so called because Artificial magnets are of different shapes. A bar magnet (i.e. rectangular
it was found is magnesia in
Asia Minor. in shape) and U-shaped magnet are common example of artificial
magnets.

The Greek discovered the

In the beginning, it was thought that electricity and magnetism have no
attractive property of the
natural magnet, while the relation with each other. However, in 1819, Hans Christian Oersted,
Ch ines e d is c over e d t he a Danish physicist, discovered a relationship between electricity and
directive property of the natural
magnet. magnetism. He found that a wire carrying current causes a deflection in
the needle of a magnetic compass placed near the wire. Since needle of
a magnetic compass is a tiny magnet, so it will be deflected from its
In 1600, Dr. William Gilbert,
t he Engl ish physi ci st equilibrium position if another magnet is brought close to it. As the
concluded that the Earth magnetic compass is placed near the current carrying wire, so the current
behaves as a large permanet
manget. carrying wire behaves as a magnet. The effect of the electric current
passing through a wire due to which the needle of magnetic compass
deflects is known as magnetic effect of electric current.

Try yourself
1. What is a magnet?
2. Can the poles of a bar magnet be separated?

IMPORTANT PROPERTIES OF MAGNETS

 Property of attraction : Magnets attract small pieces of materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt.
The property of a magnet to attract small pieces of iron seems to be concentrated in small
regions at the ends of the magnet. These regions are called magnetic poles. The pole which
points towards geographic north is called North pole of the magnet. The pole which points
towards geographic south is called South pole of the magnet.
 Property of direction : A freely suspended magnet always aligns itself in the North-South
direction.
 Like-poles of magnets repel each other and unlike-poles attract each other, just as
like-charges repel and unlike-charges attract. Since a magnet can attract small pieces of iron and
also the opposite pole of another magnet, property of attraction is not a sure test to find whether
a given piece is a magnet or not. Repulsion is a sure test to confirm whether a given piece is a
magnet or not.
 Property of induction : A magnet can induce magnetism in substances like soft iron, cobalt,
nickel etc.
 Breaking a magnet successively into smaller pieces would still produce tiny magnets each with a
north pole and south pole. The above phenomena is observed till we reach molecular stage.
 Magnetic poles always exist in opposite pairs. Single magnetic poles never exist.
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2.3 - MAGNETIC FIELD AND MAGNETIC FIELD LINES

When a bar magnet is suspended freely from its centre by a thread, one
N
end of the magnet points towards the north of the earth and the other
end of the magnet points towards the south of the earth. The end of the
W E
magnet pointing towards north of the earth is called north seeking
pole or simply north pole of the magnet. On the other hand, the end
of the magnet pointing towards sound of the earth is called south seeking S

pole or simply south pole of the magnet. Magnetic compass

You must have seen a magnetic compass needle. The needle of a magnetic compass is, infact, a small bar
magnet which is free to move in a horizontal plane on a pivot. One end of the compass needle pointing
towards North is known as North Pole. The other end of the compass needle pointing towards South is
known as South Pole.
When a north pole of a bar magnet is brought near the north pole of a magnetic compass
needle, then the needle of the magnetic compass is deflected away from the north pole of the
bar magnet. On the other hand, when a north pole of a bar magnet is brought near the south
pole of a magnetic compass needle, then the needle of the magnetic compass is attracted
towards the north pole of the bar magnet. Thus, we conclude :
Like magnetic poles repel each other while unlike magnetic potes attract each other.
The force with which a magnetic pole of a magnet attracts or repels another magnetic pole of another
magnet is called magnetic force. The space or region around a magnet within which magnetic force is
exerted on other magnet is called the magnetic field of the magnet.
Definition of Magnetic Field : The space or region around
a magnet (or a current carrying wire) within which its
influence can be felt (or magnetic force is experienced)
by another magnet is called magnetic field. It is denoted

by B .
To locate the magnetic field of a bar magnet, we use iron filings or a magnetic compass. When a magnetic
compass is far away from a magnet, it is not deflected. However, when a magnetic compass is close to
the magnet, it is deflected. So the space or region around a magnet within which a magnetic compass is
deflected is known as the magnetic field of the bar magnet.
Magnetic Lines of Force (or Magnetic Field Lines) : A magnetic field is represented by a series of
lines (or paths) around a magnet. These lines represent the paths of an imaginary independent north pole
if it were allowed to move freely in the direction of the magnetic force.
Definition of magnetic field line : The path (straight or curved) along which unit north pole moves in
a magnetic field (if free to do so) is called magnetic line of force or magnetic field line. Magnetic
lines of force or magnetic field lines are helpful to show the direction and strength (or intensity) of a
magnetic field.
The direction of the magnetic field at any particular place is the direction in which the north pole of a

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magnetic compass needle points if placed at that point. The strength of the magnetic field is shown
by how much close these lines are to each other.

If magnetic field lines are very close to each other in a particular region, then the strength of the magnetic
field in that region is very large. On the other hand, if the magnetic field lines are far from each other in a
particular region, then the strength of the magnetic field in that region is very small.
The magnetic field lines around a bar magnet are shown in following figure.

PRACTICAL LEARNING
1. Take a drawing board and paste a white sheet of paper on it. Magnetic field lines represent the
2. Place the drawing board on the table. magnetic field of a magnet
pictorially.
3. Place a bar magnet at the centre of the paper.
4. Now sprinkle iron filings evenly around the magnet.
5. Tap the surface of the drawing board gently.
Observation : We will observe that the iron filings are arranged in a pattern as shown in figure.
This pattern consists of a series of magnetic lines of force around the magnet.

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PLOTTING OF MAGNETIC FIELD LINES OF A BAR MAGNET

1. Describe an activity to draw a magnetic field lines outside a bar magnet from one pole to another pole.
(i) Take a drawing board and fix a white sheet of paper on it with the help of drawing pins.
(ii) Place a bar magnet at the centre of the paper and mark its boundary with a pencil.
(iii) Place the magnetic compass needle close to any pole of the magnet, say North pole.
(iv) Tap gently the surface of the drawing board so that the needle moves freely on the pivot.
(v) Wait for sometime till the needle of the compass comes to rest. Mark the North and
South positions of the compass needle as dots with a pencil on the paper as shown in
figure.

(vi) Go on marking the north and south positions of the compass needle by shifting the
compass till it reaches the other end of pole of the bar magnet.
(vii) All the pencil dots on the paper are joined to get a smooth curve. This curve is known as
magnetic field line.
(viii) Repeat the process to plot other smooth curves.
(ix) The magnetic field lines of the bar magnet are obtained as shown in figure (1).

Magnetic field lines of a pair of opposite poles of two magnets placed close to each other are
shown in figure (2).

Fig.(1) Fig.(2)

Magnetic field lines of a pair of similar poles of two magnets placed close to each other are shown in
figure.

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Properties of Magnetic Lines of Force :

1. Magnetic field lines are closed continuous curves :
Magnetic lines of force emerge from a magnet at N-pole and enter the magnet at S-pole. But
magnetic field lines run from S-pole to N-pole within the magnet.

N S

2. The tangent at any point on the magnetic field lines gives the direction of the magnetic
field at that point.
3. No two magnetic field lines can intersect each other.
If two magnetic field lines intersect at a point (P) as shown in figure, then there will be two tangents
at that point. It means, at the point of intersection, there will be two directions of the same magnetic
field, which is not possible. Hence, no two magnetic field lines can intersect each other.
Tangent

P
Magnetic Tangent
field lines

4. Magnetic field lines are crowded (i.e. close to each other) in a region of strong magnetic field.
On the other hand, magnetic field lines are far from each other (or diverges) in a region of weak
magnetic field.
5. These behave like a stretched bow and have a tendency to contract length wise, which shows
attraction between two opposite poles as shown in figure given.

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6. Lines of force exert a lateral force of repulsion on each other which explains repulsion between
two similar poles as shown in figure below. (No line of force exists in the region between two
similar poles.

Types of Magnetic fields :

Uniform magnetic field : Magnetic field is said to be uniform if its magnitude is equal and direction is
same at every point in the space.
Uniform magnetic field is represented by equidistant parallel straight field lines as shown in figure.

Non-Uniform magnetic field : Magnetic field is said to be non-uniform magnetic field if its magnitude
is not equal and direction is not same at every point in the space.
Non-uniform magnetic field is represented as shown in figure.

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The SI unit of Strength of magnetic field is Tesla (T)

1 Tesla = 1 Newton ampere–1 metre–1 (NA–1m–1)
or = |Weber meter–2 | (wbm–2)
The cgs unit is gauss (G)
Illustration
What is neutral region in a magnetic field.
Solution
The region in the magnetic field where magnetic field lines do not exist is called neutral region.

Try yourself
3. What do you mean by magnetic lines of force?
4. At what angle magnetic lines of force lie w.r.t. a bar magnet.
5. What is the use of a magnetic compass?

2.4 - AN ELECTRIC CURRENT PRODUCES A MAGNETIC FIELD

A magnet is not the only thing that produces a magnetic field. An electric current in a conductor also
produces a magnetic field. This was first observed in 1820 by the Danish physicist Hans Christian
Oersted (1777-1851). The magnetic effect of electric current can be very easily be demonstrated by
bringing a magnetic compass near a current-carrying wire. The compass needle gets deflected, showing
that a magnetic field is produced near the wire.

PRACTICAL LEARNING
Place a magnetic compass on a wooden or plastic block, away from all magnetic material.
When the compass needle comes to rest, fix a wire over the compass, parallel to the needle. Connect the
wire to a battery through a switch, as shown in figure. Close the switch to pass a current through the
wire. The compass needle will get deflected, and come to rest at right angles to its original position. If the
direction of the current is from south to north, the north pole of the needle will come to rest pointing west.
Now, hold the compass above the wire. The needle will get deflected in the opposite direction. The
direction of deflection will also change if you reverse the direction of the current in the wire by interchanging
the battery connections. If you switch off the current in the wire, the needle will go back to its original
position.
Make sure that you pass a current through the wire only for short periods of time (say 5 seconds).
Allowing current to pass through the wire for long will heat the wire considerably and also drain the
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battery rapidly.

Figure: A current-carrying wire produces a magnetic field that deflects the needle of the compass.

2.5 - MAGNETIC FIELD OF A CURRENT CARRYING CONDUCTOR

2.5.1 Oersted Experiment:

Oersted performed an experiment to show that a magnetic field is set up around a current carrying
conductor. The experiment was performed as follows :
1. Electric current was allowed to pass through a metallic wire AB, placed parallel to the axis of a
magnetic compass kept directly below the wire. The needle of the magnetic compass was found
to deflect from its normal position as shown in figure (a).
B
–
+ N
N

W E
S S
A
Key
2. Electric current was again allowed to pass through the same wire AB but now in opposite
direction. It was found that the needle of the magnetic compass again deflected from its normal
position in opposite direction as shown in figure (b).
B
+
– N
N

W E

S S
A
Key
These observations led Oersted to conclude that there must be a magnetic field around
the conductor (carrying electric current) which deflected the magnetic compass.
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2.5.2 Direction of deflection of the needle of the magnetic compass :

Direction of deflection of the magnetic compass due to the electric current passing through the
wire can be found by applying Ampere’s swimming rule.
Consider a man swimming along the direction of current in the wire. If the electric current enters
his feet and leaves his head, then the north pole of the needle of the magnetic compass will be
deflected towards his left hand.

Ampere’s swimming rule is also known as SNOW rule. It can be started as :

If electric current flows from South to North direction in a wire kept Over a
magnetic compass, then the north pole of the needle of a magnetic compass
will be deflected towards West.

2.6 - MAGNETIC FIELD DUE TO A CURRENT THROUGH A STRAIGHT CONDUCTOR

When a straight conductor carries electric current (dc), a magnetic field is set up around the conductor.
This magnetic field causes the deflection in the needle of the magnetic compass.

PRACTICAL LEARNING
Describe an activity to shown that magnetic field exists around a wire (or conductor) through which
electric current is passing.
(i) Take the thick piece of wire consisting of turns of insulated copper wire and a card board.
(ii) Pass this thick wire through a hole in the card board placed horizontally as shown in figure.

(iii) Now pass electric current (about 4 Amp) through the wire by pressing the key and sprinkle
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some iron filings on the card board around the wire.

(iv) Tap the card board gently.,

Observation :
We find that the iron filings are arranged in concentric circles around the wire as shown in above figure.
If magnetic compass is placed near the current carrying wire and at different position, we get concentric
circles around the wire as above figure. These concentric circles around the wire carrying current represent
the magnetic field around the wire.

HIGHER ORDER THINKING OR SKILL BASED INFORMATION :

A sketch of the earth’s magnetic field is shown in figure (a). If the key in arrangement
shown in figure (b) is not closed i.e. no current in the wire flows, then the magnetic field
lines over the car board will represent the magnetic field of the earth. These magnetic
field lines will be straight lines parallel to each other.
Variable
resistance
North A

South
K
(a) (b)

Factors on which the intensity (or strength) of the magnetic field due to a current carrying
conductor depends.
1. The amount of current flowing through a conductor : If current flowing through a conductor is increased
with the help of a rheostat (figure 13(b)), then the deflection of the needle of the magnetic compass
placed near the conductor (or wire) also increases. On the other hand, if current is flowing through the
conductor is decreased, then the deflection of the needle of the magnetic compass placed near the
conductor also decreases. This shows that the strength of the magnetic field due to a current carrying
conductor is directly proportional to the amount of current flowing through it. That is,
BI

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2. Distance (r) from the conductor : If the magnetic compass is placed near the current carrying conductor,
the deflection of the needle of the magnetic compass is large. On the other hand, if the magnetic compass
is placed away from the current carrying conductor, then the deflection of the needle of the magnetic
compass is small. This shows that the strength of the magnetic field due to the current carrying conductor
decreases with the increase of the distance. Thus, the strength of the magnetic field due to current
carrying conductor is inversely proportional to the distance from the conductor. That is,
1
B
r
The direction of the magnetic field around a straight conductor carrying current can be determined by
Right Hand Thumb Rule.

RIGHT HAND THUMB RULE

If a current carrying conductor is imagined to be held in

the right hand such that the thumb points in the direction
of the current, then the curled fingers of the hand indicate
the direction of magnetic field (figure). If current in a
conductor flow in the upward direction, then the direction
of magnetic field around the conductor is in anticlockwise
direction. On the other hand, if current in a conductor flows
in the downward direction, then the direction of the
magnetic field around the conductor is in clockwise
direction.

Magnitude of magnetic field due to an infinitely long, current carrying conductor or wire at a
distance r (in air/vacuum) from the conductor (figure) is given by

 µ0  2I
B =    Biot-savart Law .....(1)
 4  r
[SI unit of current (I) is ampere (A), SI unit of distance r is metre (m) and SI unit
of magnetic field (B) is tesla (T)].
µ0 = 4 × 10–7 tesla metre/ampere (TmA–1) is the permeability of free space or vacuum.

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l1 l2 l1

r P
l
l2

Fig.(a) Fig.(b) Fig.(c)

Application
Eqn. (1) is used to find the magnetic field due to electric power line or telephone line.
• Two parallel conductors carrying current in same direction attract each other
(Figure-b). It was a French Physicist Andre Ampere who first of all demonstrated
that two parallel wires carrying current in the same direction attract each other
just as unlike poles of a bar magnet.
• Two parallel conductors carrying current in the opposite directions repel each
other (Figure-c).
Magnetic field due to the beam of charged particles :
(i) Moving beam of positively charged particles like protons and alpha () particles
constitute electric current in the direction of their movement. Hence, magnetic field
is also set up around the beam of these charged particles as shown in figure.

Beam of protons or
alpha particles

Magnetic
field lines

(ii) Moving beam of neutrons (i.e. neutral particles) does not constitute electric
current. Hence, magnetic field is not set up around the beam of neutrons.

2.7 - MAGNETIC FIELD DUE TO A CURRENT THROUGH A CIRCULAR WIRE OR LOOP

The magnetic field around a straight current carrying conductor or wire can be increased by bending the
wire into a circular loop. A circular wire is made up of large number of very-very small straight wires.
Each small straight section of the current carrying wire contributes to the magnetic field lines and the
direction of all these lines is in the same direction as shown in figure.

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N S

PRACTICAL LEARNING
Describe an activity to show that a magnetic field is produced by an electric current flowing through a
circular coil of a wire.
(i) Take a thick copper wire in the form of a circular loop. Pass this circular wire through a cardboard
supported over a table in the horizontal position (figure).

(ii) Now connect the ends of this wire with a battery through a key (K), rheostat and ammeter (A).
(iii) Allow the current to flow through the circular wire by closing the key K.
(iv) Now plot magnetic field lines around the wire with the help of a magnetic compass needle.

Observations : Magnetic field lines as shown by dotted circles are observed. This shows that a magnetic
field is produced by an electric current flowing through a circular coil of a wire. The size of these circles
increases as we move away from the wire. At the centre of the circular wire, the field lines become
straight and perpendicular to the plane of the coil.

2.7.1 Factors on which the magnetic field produced at the centre of a current carrying circular
wire depends
1. The amount of current flowing through the wire : If the amount of current flowing through the circular
wire is increased, then the deflection of the needle of the magnetic compass placed inside the

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wire also increases. On the other hand, if the amount of current flowing through the wire is
decreased, then the deflection of the needle of the magnetic compass also decreases. This shows
that the strength of the magnetic field due to current carrying circular wire is directly proportional
to the amount of current (dc) flowing through it.
That is, BI
2. The radius of the circular wire : Take two circular wires of different radii through which the same amount
of current is flowing. It is found that the deflection of the needle of the magnetic compass placed
at the centre of the circular wire of smaller radius is more than that when placed at the centre of
the circular wire of larger radius. This shows that the strength of the magnetic field at the centre
of current carrying circular wire is inversely proportional to its radius (r).

1
That is, B
r

3. The number of turns (n) of the circular wire : If the number of turns (n) of the circular wire or loop are
increased, then the magnetic field at the centre of the loop increases. This shows that the magnetic
field at the centre of current carrying wire (or loop) is directly proportional to the number of turns
of the wire (or loop).
That is, Bn

2.7.2x Direction of Magnetic Field due to a current carrying circular wire or loop
Right Hand Thumb Rule is used to determine the direction of the magnetic field produced due to a
current carrying circular wire.
Maxwell’s Right-Hand Thumb Rule
The direction of the magnetic field due to a current in a straight conductor is given by Maxwell’s right-hand
thumb rule.
If a straight current-carrying wire is imagined to be held in the right hand, with the thumb stretched along
the direction of the current, the direction of the magnetic field produced by the current is in the direction
in which the fingers are curled (figure a).

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Figure: (a) Maxwell’s right-hand thumb rule and (b) corkscrew rule are two ways of finding the
direction of the magnetic field due to a current in a straight wire.

This rule is also called Maxwell’s corkscrew rule. Suppose the tip of a rotating corkscrew (or a screw)
advances in the direction of the current. Then the direction of rotation of its handle (or head) gives the
direction of the current.

Magnitude of magnetic field’s strength at the centre of a current carrying circular wire

µ0I
or loop is given by B =
2r

Here, B is expressed in tesla (T), current (I) in ampere (A) and radius (r) in
metre (m). µ0 = 4 × 10–7 TmA–1
Magnitude of magnetic field’s strength at the centre of a current carrying circular

µ0 nI
wire or loop having n turns is given by B1 =
2r

2.8 - MAGNETIC FIELD DUE TO A CURRENT IN A SOLENOID

A solenoid is a coil of many turns of an insulated copper wire closely wound in the shape of a tight spring.
OR
A solenoid is a long, helically wound coil of insulated copper wire. A solenoid is shown in figure (b).

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figure (a) figure (b)

When an electric current flows through a solenoid, a magnetic field is set up around the solenoid which
is similar to the magnetic field of a bar magnet. The magnetic field due to a solenoid carrying current is
shown in figure (a).
One end of the solenoid acts as South pole and the other end acts as North pole. If the current flows in
a clockwise direction when the coil is seen end-on, then that end of the solenoid acts as a South pole. On
the other hand, if the current flows in anticlockwise direction when the coil is seen end-on, then that end
of the solenoid acts as a North pole.
Thus, face or end B of the solenoid behaves as South pole and face or end A of the solenoid behaves as
North pole in figure (b). In other words, a current carrying solenoid behaves as a bar magnet.

(i) Magnetic field inside a long solenoid is uniform (i.e. same at all points) and
strong. This magnetic field is represented by straight magnetic field lines parallel
and very close to each other.
(ii) Magnetic field inside a long solenoid decreases as we move towards the ends of
the solenoid because magnetic field lines near the ends of the solenoid start
spreading out.
(iii) Magnetic field outside the solenoid is non-uniform and weak.
(iv) Magnetic field lines inside the solenoid are from South pole to North pole and
outside the solenoid, these lines of force are from North pole to South pole.
(v) The magnetic field of the solenoid
resembles the magnetic field of the
bar magnet as shown in figure.
(vi) The strong magnetic field produce
inside a solenoid is used to
magnetize the rod of a magnetic
material like soft iron, when
placed inside the solenoid.

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2.9 - ELECTROMAGNETS

When a soft iron bar is placed inside a solenoid carrying current, it becomes a magnet as long as current
flows through the solenoid. Such a magnet is known as electromagnet.
In fact, the magnetic field inside the solenoid magnetizes the soft iron bar placed in it, which acts as on
electromagnet. (figure).

– +
K

Uses of electromagnets
(i) They are used to lift heavy iron pieces. They are fitted on cranes for lifting heavy objects of scrap
iron.
(ii) They are used in many devices like electric bell, electric horn, telephone receiver, electric relay,
microphones, radio set, television, loudspeakers etc.

Difference between an Electromagnet and a Permanent Magnet (Bar Magnet)

Ele ctromagne t Pe rmane nt M agne t (Bar M agne t)
1 It behaves as a magnet as long as electric current 1 It cannot be demagnetised easily.
passes through the solenoid surrounding it. It is
demagnetised when electric current stops passing
through the solenoid. Thus, electromagnet is a
temporary magnet.
2 Electromagnet gives a strong magnetic field and 2 Magnetic field of a permanent magnet is weak.
the strength of the magnetic field produced by the The strength of magnetic field of the permanent
electromagnet can be increased or decreased by magnet cannot be changed.
increasing or decreasing electric current through
the solenoid.
3 The polarity (i.e. N orth and South poles) of an 3 The polarity of a permanent magnet cannot be
electromagnet can be reversed by reversing the reversed.
direction of electric current through the solenoid.

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(i) Hard Steel, alnico (an alloy of aluminium, nickel, cobalt and iron) Nipermag (an alloy of
aluminum, iron and titanium) are used to make permanent magnets.
(ii) Soft iron is used to make electromagnets.
(iii) A steel rod can be made a permanent magnet if it is placed inside a solenoid
carrying direct current.
(iv) Permanent magnets are used in loudspeakers, galvanometers, voltmeters,
ammeter, and speedometers.
(v) Permanent magnet can be demagnetised by heating it or throwing it again and
again on the ground.

2.10 - FORCE ON A CURRENT CARRYING CONDUCTOR PLACED IN A MAGNETIC FIELD

When a current carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, the conductor experiences a force. This
fact can be demonstrated with the help of the following activity.

PRACTICAL LEARNING

Describe an activity to show that a current carrying conductor placed perpendicular to the
magnetic field experiences a force.
(i) Fix a horse shoe magnet on the top of the table.
(ii) Place a long and thin strip of aluminium on two wooden supports such that it passes between the
North and South poles of the magnet.
(iii) Connect a battery across the ends of the aluminium strip through a key (K) as shown in figure.
(iv) Now close the key so that current (I) flows through the strip (figure)

Observation : When current flows through the aluminium strip, it moves upward. If the direction of current is
reversed, the aluminium strip moves downward.
Conclusion : A current carrying conductor (aluminium strip) placed in a magnetic field experiences a force in a
direction perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field. Due to this force, the current carrying
conductor is displaced from its rest position.
Direction of force experienced by a current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field is given by
Fleming’s left hand rule.

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2.10.1 Fleming’s left hand rule

Stretch the left hand such that the thumb, first finger and the central finger are mutually perpendicular to
each other. If the First finger points in the direction of the magnetic Field and the Central finger points in
the direction of Current, then the thumb will point in the direction Motion (or Force) as shown in figure.

2.10.2 Factors on which the force acting on the current carrying conductor depend
The force acting on a current carrying conductor placed in the magnetic field depends upon :
(i) The strength of the magnetic field : If the conductor is placed in a strong magnetic field,
it experiences a large force. That is, F  B (strength of magnetic field)
(ii) The strength of the electric current : If large current flows through the conductor placed in the magnetic
field, it experiences a large force. That is, F  I.
(iii) The length of the conductor : A long conductor experiences a greater force than the short conductor,
when placed in the magnetic field. That is, F  l.
2.10.3 Magnitude of the force acting on a current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field
We have seen that the force acting on a current carrying conductor placed perpendicular to the magnetic
field depends upon (i) the strength of the magnetic field (B), (ii) the amount of current (I) flowing through
the conductor and (iii) the length (l) of the conductor.
That is F  BIl
or F = kBIl .....(1)
If k = 1, F = BIl .....(2)
Eqn. (2) gives the magnitude of the force acting on a current carrying conductor placed perpendicular to
the magnetic field.
Definition of Magnetic field strength (B)
From eqn. (2),

F
B= .....(3)
Il
If I = 1 and l = 1, then B = F
Thus, magnetic field strength (B) is defined as the force acting per unit current per unit length of a
conductor placed perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.
SI unit of magnetic field strength
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SI unit of magnetic field strength is tesla. The symbol of tesla is T.

From eqn. (3),
SI unit of force
SI unit of magnetic field strength = SI unit of current  SI unit of length

1 newton ( N )
i.e. 1 tesla = 1 ampere  1m = 1NA–1m–1

Thus, magnetic field strength is said to be 1 tesla if 1 metre long conductor carrying 1 ampere current
experiences 1 newton force, when placed perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.

Illustration
Calculate the force acting on a wire of length 1m through which a current
of 0.2 A flows and the wire is placed perpendicular to the direction of
magnetic field of strength 0.4T.
Solution
Here, l = 1m ; I = 0.2 A ; B = 0.4T
Using F = BIl,
we get F = 0.4 T × 0.2 A × 1m = 0.4 NA–1m–1 × 0.2 A × 1m
= 0.08 N ( 1T = 1NA–1 m–1)

FORCE ACTING ON A MOVING CHARGE IN A MAGNETIC FIELD

The current flowing in a conductor or a metallic wire is due to the moving free electrons.
Each electron has an electric charge of magnitude 1.6 × 10–19 C. The force acting on a
current carrying conductor placed perpendicular to a magnetic field is equal to the force
acting on a net charge moving in the conductor. The net charge is equal to the sum of the
charges on the electrons moving in the conductor to form an electric current.
We know, force acting on a current carrying conductor placed perpendicular to the
magnetic field is given by
F = BIl ........(1)
Q
But I= , where Q is the net charge moving through the conductor..
t
 Eqn. (1) becomes

Q l
F = B   l = BQ  
 t  t

l
Now = v, velocity of charge (or electron)
t
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CH-2 : MAGNETIC EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC CURRENT PHYSICS / CLASS-X

 F = BQv ........(2)
Eqn. (2) is the expression for the force acting on a charge Q moving with velocity v
perpendicular to the magnetic field B. This force makes the charged particle to move in
a circular path with a constant speed. However, the velocity and hence momentum of
the charged particle change continuously due to the change in the direction of its motion.

NOTE : If a charged particle having charge Q moves with a velocity v at angle  with

the magnetic field B , then force acting on the charge is given by
F = QvB sin 
The charge Q will experience no force in a magnetic field if it is at rest (i.e. v = 0) or (ii)
if it moves parallel or anti-parallel (i.e.  = 0° or 180°) to the direction of magnetic field.
Direction of force experienced by a moving charge in a magnetic field is determined by
Right Hand Rule.

Illustration :
A particle having charge 1.6 × 10–19 C travelling at a speed 3.0 × 106 ms–1 passes
perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field of 0.04 T. Calculate the force acting
on the particle.
Solution
Here, Q = 1.6 × 10–19 C; v = 3.0 × 106 ms–1 ; B = 0.04 T
Using, F = BQv, we get
F = 0.04 T × 1.6 × 10–19 C × 3.0 × 106 ms–1
= 0.04 NA–1 m–1 × 1.6 × 10–19 C × 3.0 × 106 ms–1 = 19.2 × 10–15 N

(i) If charge Q is at rest (i.e. Q is static charge) in the magnetic field, then no force
acts on this charge.
(ii) When a charge Q moves in the direction of magnetic field, no force acts on the
charge. Thus, charge continues to move in the same direction and with same speed.
• The fact that charged particles are deflected by magnetic field is used
no focus electrons onto the inner surface of a TV tube and provide picture.
• When a stream of high energy charged particles (i.e., solar wind) enters
the earth’s atmosphere, these particles experience a deflecting force
due to the earth’s magnetic field. In fact, these charged particles are
trapped near the earths magnetic equator. The regions, where these
charged particles from the sun are trapped are called Van Allen radiation
belts. They are named so after American scientist James Van Allen
suggested their existence from the data collected by the U.S. satellite
Explorer I in 1958.
• Importance of Earth’s magnetic Field :Earth’s magnetic field has saved
us from the ill effect of the high energy charged particles coming out of
the sun in the form of solar wind. The earth’s magnetic field deflects

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these particles away from the surface of the earth. Thus, the intensity of
these high energy charged particles striking the surface of the earth
decreases considerably.

2.11 - DOMESTIC ELECTRIC CIRCUITS

Electricity Board of a State is responsible for the electric power supply to the houses and factories.
The electric power is supplied to the houses or factories through underground cable or overhead wires
on poles. Overhead wires or cables are three in number. They are known as phase wire (or live wire),
neutral wire and earth wire. These wire coming from power sub-station are connected to an electric
meter installed in a house or a factory. The potential difference between the live wire and neutral wire is
220V. An electric fuse is placed in the path of the phase wire before it is connected to the electric meter
(known as KWh metre). This fuse is known as pole fuse and has a definite current rating. The current
rating of pole fuse depends upon the load sanctioned by the Electricity Board to a particular house or a
factory. The load sanctioned is calculated on the basis of the number of appliances (like bulbs, tubes,
heaters, geysers, fans etc.) to be used in a house. If the owner of the house draws more current than the
sanctioned one, then the pole fuse melts and the power supply is cut off.

The output power from electric meter is taken to the main switch. Another fuse known as main fuse is
placed in the path of the live or phase wire. Main switch consists of a double pole iron clad switch. This
switch can cut off the power supply from the domestic electric circuit with the help of a lever. The body
of main switch is earthed by connecting it with a metallic wire buried deep into the earth.
The output electric power from the main switch is distributed to the domestic electric circuit. The
arrangement of power supply from the electric power sub-station to the main switch of a house or a
factory is shown in figure.

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Alternating current flowing through a wire is dangerous if the wire is touched with bare hands. Moreover,
when current flowing through the wire exceeds a certain limit, it can burn the electric circuit. So, we have
to take safety measures while using electricity. These safety measures are given below :

2.12 - ELECTRIC FUSE

1. An electric fuse is a safety device that is used to save the electrical appliances like electric bulbs,
electric tubes. T.V. etc. from burning when large current flows in the circuit. Electric fuse is a wire
made of copper or aluminium or tin-lead alloy. The melting point of the material of which the
electric fuse wire is made should be low. Commonly used, electric fuses are shown in figure.

Suppose a fuse is not connected in the path of a live wire of the circuit. In such case, the circuit
may be over heated if the current in the circuit exceeds the safe limit. There is a chance of short
circuiting of the circuit which causes the fire. So to avoid short circuiting of the circuit, a fuse must
be put in the path of the circuit.
Fuse wires are usually rated as 5A or 15A. A circuit in which bulb or a tube is to be connected,
the fuse is rated as 5A. It means, this circuit can draw maximum 5A current. If current in this
circuit becomes greater than 5A, the fuse wire melts and the circuit is switched off automatically.
Hence the circuit can be saved from burning.
Similarly, a circuit in which a heating appliance like an electric heater or a geyser is to be connected,
the fuse rated as 15A is used.

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2. The insulation on the wire should be of high strength so that it may not melt easily when wires are
heated due to large current flowing through them.

3. Wires carrying electricity should not be touched bare footed. The live wire is at higher potential
and the earth is at zero potential. If we touch the live wire bare footed, a large current will pass
through our body. So we will receive a severe shock. This shock affects our nervous system and
may cause even death. Therefore, while using electricity, we must wear gloves made of insulated
material and shoes of rubber sole so that current may not flow through our body.

4. Earthing : Electric appliances like heater, toaster, refrigerator etc. are frequently touched by us
with bare hands. If by chance, the insulation on live wire melts, then the live wire may touch the
metallic case of the appliance. In that case, current passes through the metal casing of the appliance.
If we touch this casing with bare hands, we will receive a severe shock. To avoid such an
accident, metal casings of all electric appliances must be earthed. One end of copper wire is
connected with metal casing of the electric appliance. The other end of the copper wire is
connected to the copper plate which is buried deep inside the earth. This system of connecting
the metal casing of an electric appliance with a copper plate buried deep inside the earth is
known as earthing.
How is earthing of an electric appliance is useful ?
When the live wire touches the metal casing of an electric appliance, the electric current flows
from the casing of the appliance to the earth through the copper wire. As the earth offers very
low or almost no resistance to the flow of current, so large current passes through the copper
wire instead of human body. This large current heats the circuit and hence the fuse in the circuit
melts. As a result of this, the circuit is switched off automatically and the electric appliance is
saved from burning. Moreover, the human body suffers no electric shock.

5. Electric circuits should be switched off during lighting : Whenever there is lightning in the
sky, the electric circuits should be switched off to save the electric appliances connected in these
circuits from burning.

2.13 - SHORT-CIRCUITING AND OVERLOADING

Short-Circuiting takes place when the live wire and the neutral wire come in direct contact (or touch
each other). It can happen accidently or if the insulation on these wire melts. When short circuiting
occurs, the resistance of the circuit becomes very small and hence huge amount of current flows through
it. Large amount of current in the circuit produces large amount of heat which raises the temperature of
the circuit to very high value. As a result of this, the circuit catches fire.
Overloading means flow of large amount of current in the circuit beyond the permissible value of
current. It occurs when many electrical appliances of high power rating like geyser, heater, refrigerator,
motor etc. are connected in a single socket or in a single circuit. High current flowing in the circuit due to
overloading causes fire.

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LET US REPLICATE
 Hans Christian oersted discovered a relationship between electricity and magnetism.
 A current carrying wire behaves as a magnet.
 When a current passes through a wire, a magnetic field is set up around the wire. This effect of current
is called magnetic effect of current.
 Like magnetic poles repel each other and unlike magnetic poles attract each other.
 Magnetic field is space or region around a current carrying wire or a magnet within which its influence
is felt by another magnet.
 Magnetic field line : The path along which a free unit north pole moves in a magnetic field is called
magnetic field line. The tangent at any point on a magnetic field line gives the direction of the magnetic
field at that point.
 Two magnetic field lines can't intersect or cross each other.
 Magnetic field lines are crowded in a region of strong magnetic field.
 Magnetic field lines are far apart in a region of weak magnetic field.
 When current passes through a straight wire or conductor, a magnetic field is set up around the wire or
conductor.
 Magnetic field around a current carrying wire or conductor is represented by concentric circles centred
at the wire or the conductor.
 The direction of magnetic field around the current carrying conductor is determined by Right Hand
Thumb Rule.
 Magnetic field around a current carrying wire increases with the increase in the current passing through
the wire.
 Magnetic field around a current carrying wire or conductor is represented by concentric circles centred
at the wire or the conductor.
 The direction of magnetic field around the current carrying conductor is determined by Right Hand
Thumb Rule.
 Magnetic field around a current carrying wire increases with the increase in the current passing through
the wire.
 Magnetic field around a current carrying wire decreases as we go away from the wire.
 Magnetic field due to a very long wire like a power transmission line carrying current I and at a distance
r from the wire is given by
 µ0  2I
B =   ; where, µ0 = 4 × 10–7 TmA–1
 4  r
 Two parallel wires or conductors carrying current in the same directs attract each other.
 Two parallel wires or conductors carrying current in the opposite directions repel each other.
 The magnetic field around a straight current carrying conductor or wire can be increased by bending it
into a circular loop.
 The strength of magnetic field produced at the centre of a circular loop of a wire is
(i) directly proportional to the amount of current passing through the loop of the wire.
(ii) directly proportional to the number of turns of the circular loop of the wire.
(iii) inversely proportional to the radius of the circular loop of the wire.
 Magnetic field produced by a current carrying circular wire or loop decreases on both sides along the
axis of the circular wire.
 A solenoid is a coil of many turns of an insulated copper wire closely wound in the shape of a tight spring.
 Magnetic field inside a current carrying solenoid is uniform magnetic field.
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 A solenoid carrying current behaves like a bar magnet.

 A soft iron rod placed in a current carrying solenoid is known as electromagnet.
 A current carrying conductor placed perpendicular to the magnetic field experience a force.
 The force acting on a current carrying conductor placed perpendicular to the magnetic field B is given by
F = BIl
 Direction of force experienced by a current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field is determined
by Fleming’s Left Hand Rule.
 No Force acts on a current carrying conductor when placed parallel to the magnetic field.
 SI unit of magnetic field is tesla (T).
 Force acts on a charge moving perpendicular to the magnetic field. This force is called Lorentz force.
 Force acting on a charge Q moving with velocity v perpendicular to the magnetic field B is given by
F = BQV
 No force acts on a charge moving parallel to the magnetic field B.
 Direction of force experienced by a moving charge in a magnetic field is determined by Right Hand Rule.
 Electric motor is a device which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
 Principle of electric motor : Electric motor works on the principle that a current carrying conductor
placed perpendicular to a magnetic field experiences a force.
 The phenomenon of producing induced current in a closed circuit due to the change in magnetic field in
the circuit is known as electromagnetic induction.
 More induced current flows through a closed coil if a bar magnet is brought towards or away from the
coil with large speed.
 No induced current flows through a closed coil if magnetic field linked with it does not change.
 Direction of induced current in a conductor is determined by Fleming’s Right hand rule.
 Direct current is an electric current whose magnitude is either constant or variable but the direction of
flow in a conductor remains the same.
 Frequency of direct current is zero.
 Alternating current is an electric current whose magnitude changes with time and direction reverse peri-
odically.
 In India, frequency of A.C. is 50 Hz.
 A.C. is more dangerous than D.C.
 Electric generator is a device used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
 Electric generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
 To supply electric power from one place to another place, three wires known as phase wire (or live
wire), neutral wire and earth wire are used.
 The potential difference between the live wire and neutral wire in a household supply of electric power is
220 V.
 Current rating of a fuse is the maximum amount of electric current that can be passed through the fuse
wire without melting it.
 Current rating of a fuse wire in a circuit having bulbs and tubes is 5A.
 Current rating of a fuse wire in a circuit having heating appliances is 15A.
 Electric fuse is a safety device used to save the electrical appliances from burning when large current
flows in the circuit.
 Electric fuse is made of a material of low melting point.
 Material used for making a fuse wire is made of copper / aluminium / tin-lead alloy.
 Short Circuiting : When live wire and neutral wire come in direct contact, the resistance of the circuit
becomes very small. Hence huge current flows through the circuit. This huge current produces large
amount of heat in the circuit and the circuit catches fire. This is known as short circuiting.

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CONCEPT APPLICATION LEVEL – I [NCERT Questions]

Q.1 Which of the following correctly describes the magnetic field near a long straight wire ?
(a) the field consists of straight lines perpendicular to the wire
(b) the field consists of straight lines parallel to the wire.
(c) the field consists of radial lines originating from the wire.
(d) the field consists of concentric circles centered on the wire.
Ans. (d) the field consists of concentric circles centered on the wire.

Q.2 The phenomena of electromagnetic induction is

(a) the process of charging a body
(b) the process of generating magnetic field due to current passing through a coil
(c) producing induced current in a coil due to relative motion between a magnet and the coil
(d) the process of rotating a coil of an electric motor.
Ans. (c) producing induced current in a coil due to relative motion between a magnet and the coil

Q.3 The device used for producing electric current is called a

(a) generator (b) galvanometer (c) ammeter (d) motor
Ans. (a) generator

Q.4 The essential difference between an AC generator and a DC generator is that

(a) AC generator has an electromagnet while a DC generator has permanent magnet
(b) DC generator will generate a higher voltage
(c) AC generator will generate a higher voltage
(d) AC generator has slip rings while the DC generator has a commutator.
Ans. (d) AC generator has slip rings while the DC generator has a commutator.

Q.5 At the time of short circuit, the current in the circuit.

(a) reduces substantially (b) does not change
(c) increases heavily (d) vary continuously
Ans. (c) increases heavily

Q.6 State whether the following statements are true or false :

(a) an electric motor converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
(b) an electric generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction
(c) the field at the centre of a long circular coil carrying current will be parallel straight lines.
(d) a wire with a green insulation is usually the live wire.
Ans. (a) False. It converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
(b) True
(c) True
(d) False, Live wire has red insulation cover.

Q.7 List three sources of magnetic fields.

Ans. (i) a permanent magnet (ii) a current carrying conductor
(iii) a current carrying solenoid

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Q.8 How does a solenoid behave like a magnet ? Can you determine the north and south poles of
a current carrying solenoid with the help of a bar magnet. Explain.
Ans. When electric current flows through a solenoid, magnetic field is set up around the solenoid. The pattern
of the magnetic field is same as that of the magnetic field of a bar magnet. One end of the solenoid
behaves as north pole and the another end behaves as south pole.
To determine the north and south poles of a current carrying solenoid with the help of a bar magnet,
suspend it with a strong thread. Now bring the north pole of a bar magnet towards one end of the
solenoid. If the solenoid attracts towards the magnet, then that face of the solenoid is south pole. If the
solenoid moves away from the bar magnet, then that face of the solenoid is the north pole.

Q.9 When is the force experienced by a current carrying conductor placed in magnetic field is the
largest ?
Ans. When current carrying conductor is placed perpendicular to the magnetic field.

Q.10 Think you are sitting in a chamber with your back to one wall. An electron beam moving hori-
zontally from back wall towards the front wall, is deflected by a strong magnetic field to your
right side. What is the direction of magnetic field ?
Ans. Movement from electron beam from back wall to the front wall is equivalent to the flow of electric
current from front wall to the back wall. The deflection of the beam means, the force is acting towards
our right side. According to Fleming’s Left Hand Rule, the direction of magnetic field is vertically down-
ward. That is, the magnetic field is perpendicular to the plane of the paper and directed inward. Such
magnetic field is shown by

Q.11 Draw a labelled diagram of an electric motor. Explain its principle and working. What is the
function of a split ring in an electric motor ?
Ans. Refer text

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Q.12 Name some devices in which electric motors are used.

Ans. Electric cars, rolling mills, electric fans, hair dryers, mixers, blenders etc.

Q.13 A coil of insulated copper wire is connected to a galvanometer. What will happen if a bar
magnet is (i) pushed into the coil. (ii) withdrawn from inside the coil (iii) held stationary inside
the coil ?

Ans.

(i) When a bar magnet is pushed into the coil, induced current flows through the coil due to the
phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. This induced current is indicated by the deflection of
the needle of the galvanometer as shown in figure(a).
(ii) When bar magnet is withdrawn from inside the coil, again induced current flows through the coil
due to the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. In this case, the direction of induced cur-
rent is opposite to the direction of the current in case (i) as shown in figure (b).
(iii) When the bar magnet is held stationary inside the coil, there is no change in magnetic field around
the coil. Hence, no induced current flows through the coil. Therefore, galvanometer shows no
deflection as shown in figure(c).

Q.14 Two circular coils A and B are placed close to each other. If the current in the coil A is changed,
will some current be induced in the coil B ? Give reason.
Ans. When current in coil A is changed, a changing magnetic field is set up around it. This changing magnetic
field also links with coil B and hence some current will be induced in coil B due to electromagnetic
induction.

Q.15 State the rule to determine the direction of a (i) magnetic field produced around a straight
conductor carrying current, (ii) force experienced by a current-carrying straight conductor
placed in a magnetic field which is perpendicular to it, and (iii) current induced in a coil due to
its rotation in a magnetic field.
Ans. (i) Right hand thumb rule (ii) Fleming’s left hand rule (iii) Fleming’s right hand rule

Q.16 Explain the underlying principle and working of an electric generator by drawing a labelled
diagram. What is the function of brushes ?
Ans. Refer text.

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Q.17 When does an electric short circuit occur ?

Ans. When live wire and neutral wire touch each other (i.e. come in direct contact)

Q.18 What is the function of an earth wire ? Why is it necessary to earth metallic casings of electric
appliances ?
Ans. Earth wire acts as a safety measure. When the live wire touches the metallic casing of an electric
appliance, the electric current flows from the casing of the appliance to the earth through the copper
wire. As the earth offers very low or almost no resistance to the flow of current, so large current passes
through the copper wire instead of human body. This large current heats the circuit and hence the fuse in
the circuit melts. As a result of this, the circuit is switched off automatically and hence the electric appli-
ance is saved from burning and the human body suffers no electric shock.

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CONCEPT APPLICATION LEVEL – II

SECTION – A

Q.1 Why does a compass needle get deflected when brought near a bar magnet ?
Ans. Compass needle is a small magnet which experiences a force in the magnetic field of a bar magnet. Due
to this force, it gets deflected.

Q.2 Draw magnetic field lines around a bar magnet.

Ans.

Q.3 List the properties of magnetic lines of force.

Ans. (i) Magnetic lines of force are closed continuous curves.
(ii) The tangent at any point on the magnetic line of force gives the direction of the magnetic field at
that point.
(iii) Two magnetic lines of force can not cross each other.

Q.4 Why do not two magnetic lines of force intersect each other ?
Ans. The tangent at any point on a magnetic field line gives the direction of magnetic field at that point. If two
magnetic field lines cross each other, then at the point of intersection, there will be two tangents. Hence,
there will be two directions of the magnetic field at the point of intersection. This is not possible. Hence,
no two magnetic field lines can cross each other.
Tangent

P
Magnetic Tangent
field lines

Q.5 Consider a circular loop of wire lying in the plane of the table. Let the current passing through
the loop clockwise. Apply the right hand rule to find out the direction of magnetic field inside
and outside the loop.
Ans. Magnetic field inside the loop is perpendicular to the plane of table and in the downward direction.

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However, outside the loop, magnetic field is perpendicular to the plane of the table and in the upward
direction.
Q.6 The magnetic field in a given region is uniform. Draw a diagram to represent it.

Ans.

Q.7 Choose the correct option :

The magnetic field inside a long straight solenoid carrying current is :
(a) zero (b) decreases as we move towards its ends
(c) increases as we move towards its ends (d) is the same at all points.
Ans. (d) is the same at all points.

Q.8 Which of the property a proton can change when it moves freely in a magnetic field ? (There
may be more than one correct answer).
(a) mass (b) speed (c) velocity (d) momentum
Ans. A force acts on a proton when it moves freely in a magnetic field. Hence its velocity and momentum can
change.

Q.9 In activity (Force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field), how do we think the
displacement of rod AB will be affected if (i) current in rod AB is increased (ii) a stronger horse
shoe magnet is inserted (iii) length of the rod AB is increased.
Ans. Force acting on a current carrying conductor of length l placed perpendicular to magnetic field B is given
by : F = BIl
(i) When I increase, F also increases. Hence the displacement of the rod increase.
(ii) When a stronger horse shoe magnet is inserted, magnetic field at B increases. So force also
increases. Hence displacement increases.
(iii) When l increases, force increases and hence displacement increase.

Q.10 A positively charged particle (alpha particle) projected towards west is deflected towards north
by a magnetic field. The direction of magnetic field is
(a) towards south (b) towards east (c) downward (d) upward
Ans. (d) upward

Q.11 State Fleming’s left hand rule.

Ans. Stretch the left hand such that the thumb, first finger and the central finger are
mutually perpendicular to each other. If the First finger points in the direction of
the magnetic Field and the Central finger points in the direction of Current, then
the thumb will point in the direction Motion (or Force) as shown in figure.
Stretch the left hand such that the thumb, first finger and the central finger are
mutually perpendicular to each other. If the First finger points in the direction of
the magnetic Field and the Central finger points in the direction of Current, then
the thumb will point in the direction Motion (or Force) as shown in figure.

Q.12 What is the principle of electric motor ?

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Ans. Electric motor works on the principle that a current carrying conductor placed perpendicular to a magnetic
field experiences a force.

Q.13 What is the role of the split ring in an electric motor ?

Ans. The split-ring in an electric motor reverses the direction of current in the armature coil of the motor.
Therefore, the direction of the force acting on the two arms of the coil is also reversed. As a result of this,
the coil of d.c. motor continues to rotate in the same direction.

Q.14 Explain different ways to induce current in a coil.

Ans. (i) By moving a bar magnetic towards or away from the coil.
(ii) By placing a coil near another coil connected across a battery.

Q.15 State the principle of electric generator.

Ans. It is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. That is, the changing magnetic field induces
current in the coil.

Q.16 Name some sources of direct current.

Ans. A dry cell, a battery, a solar cell, d.c. generator etc. are some sources of direct current/

Q.17 Which source produces alternating current ?

Ans. AC generator (which converts mechanical energy into alternating current or electricity) and an oscillator
( device which converts D.C. into A.C.) are the sources which produce alternating current.

Q.18 Choose the correct option :

A rectangular coil of copper wires is rotated in a magnetic field. The direction of the induced
current changes once in each
(a) two revolutions (b) one revolution (c) half revolution (d) one-fourth revolution
Ans. (c) half revolution

Q.19 Name two safety measures commonly used in electric circuit and appliances.
Ans. (i) Electric fuse and (ii) earthing

Q.20 An electric oven of 2 kw power rating is operated in a domestic electric circuit (220V) that has
a current rating of 5A. What result do you except ? Explain.
Ans. P = 2kW = 2000 W and V = 220 V
P 2000
 I= = = 9.09 A
V 220
This shows that current flowing through the oven is more than the current rating (5A). Hence, the fuse in
the circuit melts and oven is saved from damage.

Q.21 What precautions should be taken to avoid the overloading of domestic electric circuit ?
OR
Write any two precaution to be taken to avoid overloading of a domestic electric circuit.

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Ans. (i) We should not connect many appliances in the same socket.
(ii) Electrical appliances of high power rating should not be switched on simultaneously.

SECTION – B

Q.1 State the factors on which the strength of magnetic field at a point due to a current carrying
conductor depends.
Ans. (i) Strength of electric current flowing in the conductor.
(ii) The distance of the point from the conductor.

Q.2 On what factors does the magnetic field produced by a current carrying solenoid depend?
Ans. (i) The strength of the current flowing through the solenoid.
(ii) The number of turns of the wire of the solenoid.
(iii) The nature of the material inside the solenoid i.e., permeability of the material inside the solenoid.

Q.3 Mention at least five uses of an electric motor. What is the differences between electric motor
and electric generator?
or
Name four appliances wherein an electric motor (a rotating device that converts electrical
energy into mechanical energy is used as an important component. In what respect electric
motors are different from generator?
Ans. It is used in mixers, blenders, refrigerators, washing machines, hair dryers. Electric motor converts
electrical energy into mechanical energy and electric generator converts mechanical energy into electric
energy.

Q.4 What is the function of brushes in an electric generator?

Ans. The brushes in a electric generator supply the induced current from the coil to the external circuit.

Q.5 Describe an activity to show that magnetic field in generated around straight current carrying
wire.
Ans. Refer text.

Q.6 Describe an activity to show that magnetic field is produced by an electric current flowing
through a circular coil of a wire.
Ans. Refer text.

Q.7 A horizontal power line carries current in east to west direction. What is the direction of the
magnetic field due to the current in the power line at a point above and at a point below the
power line?
Ans. According to right-hand thumb rule: (i) the direction of magnetic field at a point above the power line is
from south to north, (ii) the direction of magnetic field at a point below the power line is from north to
south.

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Q.8 The magnetic field produced by a current carrying circular coil having n turns is equal to n
times the magnetic field produced by a current carrying circular coil having a single turn.
Explain, why?
Ans. As the direction of the current flowing in each turn of the coil is same, so the direction of the magnetic
field produced by each turn is also the same. The magnetic field produced by each turn will therefore get
added up to give the magnetic field produced by a coil of n turns. Hence, magnetic field produced by a
coil of n turns = n times the magnetic field produced by a coil having a single turn.

Q.9 Current is flowing anticlockwise in a circular coil lying in the plane of a table. Using Right
Hand Thumb Rule, state the direction of the magnetic field inside and outside the coil.
Ans. Magnetic field inside the coil is perpendicular to the plane of the table and in upward direction. However,
the magnetic field outside the coil is perpendicular to the plane of the table and in downward direction as
shown in figure.

Q.10 Why does a current carrying conductor kept in a magnetic field experience force?
Ans. A current carrying conductor contains moving negatively charged particles (i.e., electrons). Each electron
experiences a force (= Bev). The total force experienced by electrons is equal to the force
experienced by the conductor.

Q.11 A proton enters a magnetic field at right angle to it as shown in figure. What is the direction of
the force acting on the electron?
Ans. According to Fleming’s left hand rule, the force acting on a
current carrying conductor placed at right angles to a magnetic
field is perpendicular to the directions of current (i.e. flow of

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positive charges) and the magnetic field.

The arrow showing the direction of proton represents the
direction of current in a conductor, therefore, the force acting
on the conductor is perpendicular to the plane of the paper and
in upward direction.
Q.12 Explain the meaning of the word “electromagnetic” and “induction” in the term
electromagnetic induction.
Ans. “Electromagnetic” means production of induced current in a closed coil due to the change in magnetic
field. “Induction” means the induced current is produced without the actual contact of the closed coil and
the moving magnet.

Q.13 Current-time graphs from two different sources are shown in the following diagrams.

Now answer the following questions.

(i) Name the type of current shown by graph A and graph B.
(ii) Name any one source of the current shown by graph A and graph B
(iii) What is the frequency of current in case B?
(iv) Write two difference between the current shown by graphs A and B.
Ans. (i) Graph A represent direct current (DC). Graph B represents alternating current (AC).
(ii) A dry cell is the source of current shown by graph A. An AC generator is the source of current
shown by the graph B.

1 1
(iii) From graph B, time period, T = 0.02s, Therefore, frequency of current, f  = = 50 Hz.
T 1 / 50 s

(iv) Direct current

(i) The magnitude of direct current is constant and flows in one direction only.
(ii) Direct current cannot be used for large scale supply of electricity for household purpose.
(iii) The frequency of direct current is zero.

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Alternating current
(i) The magnitude and direction of alternating current reverses periodically.
(ii) Alternating current is used to run electrical appliances like electric bulb, electric heater,
electric iron, refrigerator etc.
(iii) Frequency of alternating current in India is 50 Hz.
Q.14 What is the basic difference between AC generator and DC generator?
Ans. (i) In AC generator, slip-ring are used while in DC generator split ring type commutator is used.
(ii) AC generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy in the form of alternating
current. DC generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy in the form of direct
current.

Q.15 A magnetic compass is placed near current carrying wire. What will you observe
(i) When current in the wire is increased.
(ii) When the magnetic compass is displaced away from the wire?
OR
A magnetic compass shows a deflection near a current carrying wire. How will the deflection of
the compass get affected if current in the wire is increased? Support your answer with reason.
Ans. (i) We observer that the deflection of the needle of the magnetic compass increases. This is because
the magnetic field strength due to a current carrying wire increases, when current in the wire is
increased.
(ii) We observe that the deflection of the needle of the magnetic compass decreases. This is because
the magnetic field strength due to a current carrying wire decreases with the increase of the
distance from the wire.

Q.16 Two copper wires A and B are wrapped on a hollow card board as shown in figure. Wire A is
connected across a battery through one way key. The wire B close to wire A is connected
across a galvanometer. What do you observe when key is closed.

Ans. We observe that galvanometer shows a deflection for a short moment. This is because, when current
flows through wire A, a changing magnetic field is set up around the wire A. Due to electromagnetic
induction, induced current flows through the wire B. Hence galvanometer shows deflection.

Q.17 On what factors does the value of induced current produced in a circuit depend? Name and

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state the rule used for determination of direction of induced current. State one application of
this phenomenon in every day life.
Ans. Refer Text.
Fleming’s Right Hand Rule is used for determining the direction induced current.
For the statement of Fleming’s Right Hand Rule, Refer Text.
Electric generator to produce large electric current works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.

SECTION – C

[PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (1 MARK)]

Q.1 Mention the shape of the magnetic field lines around a current-carrying straight conductor.
Ans. In the form of concentric rings around the straight conductor

Q.2 What happens to the magnetic field lines due to a current-carrying conductor when the current is
reversed ?
Ans. The direction of magnetic field lines gets reversed on reversing the direction of the current.

Q.3 State the observation made by Oersted on the basis of his experiment with current-carrying
conductors.
Ans. Every current-carrying conductor has a magnetic field around it.

Q.4 What type of core is used to make electromagnet?

Ans. Soft iron.

Q.5 Mention the voltage and frequency of current that we receive at our house?
Ans. 220 V, 50 Hz

SECTION – D

[PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2 MARKS)]

Q.1 List two factors on which strength of induced current depends.
Ans. The strength of the induced current depends directly upon the following factors:
(i) Strength of the magnetic field. (ii) Number of turns in the coil.

Q.2 What is the nature of magnetic field produced by a current-carrying circular coil? Explain with the help of
an experiment.
Ans. Bend a copper wire in a circular shape. Pass the coil through a cardboard. Connect the free ends of the
coil to a battery and a key. Sprinkle some iron filings on the cardboard. Put on the key. You will find that
the iron filings arrange themselves in the form of concentric circles. The magnetic lines of force near each
segment of wire are circular and form concentric circles whereas the lines of force near the centre of the
coil are almost straight lines. Note that at the centre of the coil, the magnetic field is uniform and
'perpendicular to the plane of the coil.

Q.3 Describe an activity to show that the magnetic field produced by given electric current in the wire decreases
as the distance from the wire increases.
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CH-2 : MAGNETIC EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC CURRENT PHYSICS / CLASS-X

Ans. (i) A circuit is made using battery (12 V), a plug key, an ammeter (0-5 A) and a long thick copper
as shown below.

(ii) Then the key is switched on and a compass is brought near and moved away from the copper
wire keeping the current through the wire same. The observation is noted down.
(iii) It is observed that the deflection of the compass needle increases as it is brought near the wire
and decreases when it is moved away.
Q.4 State two ways by which the strength of an electromagnet can be increased.
Ans. The strength of an electromagnet can be increased by :
(i) Increasing the number of turns in the solenoid.
(ii) Increasing the strength of current flowing through the solenoid.

Q.5 (a) Name the type of electric current generated by the most of the power stations in our country.
(b) Why is it preferred over the other type ?
(c) State the frequency of the power supply generated in India.
Ans. (a) Alternating current (ac).
(b) Alternating current (ac) is preferred because in comparison to direct current (de), it can be
transmitted over long distance effectively.
(c) 50 Hz.

Q.6 Explain why a fuse should be joined with the live wire and not with the neutral wire in a domestic circuit.

Ans. In a domestic circuit, the phase wire is always at a much higher potential than the neutral wire. Moreover,
the neutral wire is connected to the earth at the sub-station. Thus, during short-circuit the fuse will break
the connection with the neutral wire and not the live wire.

SECTION – E

[PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (3 MARKS)]

Q.1 Define magnetic field. Describe an activity to draw magnetic field lines around a bar magnet from one
pole to another pole.
Ans. It is the region around a magnet where the magnetic force of the magnet can be felt. Take a small
compass and a bar magnet. Place the magnet on a sheet of white paper fixed on a drawing board, using
some adhesive material. Mark the boundary of the magnet. Place the compass near the north pole of the
magnet. We find that the south pole of the needle points towards the north pole of the magnet. The north
pole of the compass is directed away from the north pole of the magnet. Mark the position of two ends
of the needle; Now, move the needle to a new position such that its south pole occupies the position
previously occupied by its north pole. In this way, proceed step by step till you reach the south pole of
the magnet as shown in Fig.

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CH-2 : MAGNETIC EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC CURRENT PHYSICS / CLASS-X

× ×
×
×
×
× ×
S
× ×N
N S
S N

Q.2 Explain an activity to show that a current carrying conductor experiences a force placed in a magnetic
field.
Ans. Activity : A small aluminium rod is suspended horizontally from a stand using 'connecting wires. A strong
horseshoe' magnet is placed in such a way that the rod lies in the two poles with the magnetic field
directed upwards. For this, the north pole magnet is kept vertically below and south pole vertically
above the aluminium rod.
The aluminium rod is connected in series with a battery, a key and a rheostat. A current is passed through
the aluminium rod from one end to other (B to A). The rod is displaced towards left. When the direction
of current flowing through the rod is reversed, the displacement of rod is towards right.

Q.3 What is short-circuiting ? State one factor that can lead to it. Name a device in the household that acts as
a safety measure for it. State the principle of its working.
Ans. It is a situation in which live and neutral wires come in direct contact, abruptly increasing the current in the
circuit. Factors : (i) Damaged insulation of wire. (ii) Fault in appliance.
Safety device: Electric fuse/MCB. Electric fuse is an application of Joule's heating effect.

Q.4 Name the three types of wires used in household circuits. Out of these three which wire is used as a
safety measure especially for those appliances that have metallic body? State the colour of insulation
used for this wire. How it ensures the safety of the user ?
Ans. (i) Live wire, (ii) Neutral wire, (iii) Earth wire.
Earth wire, colour of insulation is green. The metallic body connected to the earth wire keeps its potential
to that of the earth and if there is any leakage, the user does not get any kind of electric shock.

Q.5 A uniform magnetic field is directed vertically upwards. In which direction in this field should an
 -particle (which are positively charged particles) be projected so that it is deflected south ward?
Name and state the rule you have used to find the direction in this case.

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Ans. An -particle carries positive charge, applying Flemings left hand rule we find that the direction of
motion of positively charged alpha particle is from west to east. -
Q.6 Can a freely suspended current carrying solenoid stay in any direction? Justify your answer. What will
happen when the direction of current in the solenoid is reversed? Explain.
Ans. A current-carrying solenoid behaves like a magnet.
 When suspended freely it will stay in
north -south direction.
On reversing current its polarity will be .
reversed and so it will turn at 180°.

Q.7 Find the minimum rating of fuse that can be safely used on a line on which two 1.1 kW, electric geysers
are to run simultaneously. The supply voltage is 220 V.
nP 2  1.1 1000 2200
Ans. I= = =  10A
V 220 220
Q.8 The following diagram shows two straight wires carrying current. Copy the diagram and draw the pattern
of lines of force around them and mark their directions.

Ans. The pattern of lines is a as shown in the figure below

Q.9 (a) In a pattern of magnetic field lines due to a bar magnet, how can the regions of relative strength be
identified ?
(b) Compare the strength of field near the poles and middle of a bar magnet.
Ans. (a) The relative strength of the magnetic field is shown by the degree of closeness of the field lines
(b) The strength of field near the poles is highest and in the middle of a bar magnet it is lowest.

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SECTION – F
[PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (5 MARKS)]
Q.1 Draw the lines of force (indicating field direction) of the magnetic field Through an around (a) single loop
wire carrying electric current, and (b) a solenoid carrying electric current.
Ans. (a) The magnetic field lines are as
shown :

(b) The magnetic field lines are as shown :

Q.9 What is an electromagnet ? What decides its polarity ? How it differs from a permanent magnet ? List the
three factors and explain how strength of an electromagnet depends on these.
Ans. When a soft iron is placed inside a solenoid and current is passed through it then the soft iron gets
magnetised. The magnet so formed is called an electromagnet.
Its polarity is decided by the direction of current flowing through the solenoid.
Permanent magnets have constant magnetic field around them whereas magnetic field of electromagnet
is temporary.
Strength of an electromagnet depends on :
(i) The number of turns in the solenoid.
(ii) Strength of current flowing through the solenoid
(iii) Position of soft iron core within the solenoid.
Q.12 (a) Write three differences between ac and dc.
(b) State the frequency of ac supply in India and mention the potential difference between neutral
and live wire in domestic circuit.
(c) How many times does ac change its direction in one second ?
Ans. (a) The difference between ac and dc are shown in the table below :

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CONCEPT APPLICATION LEVEL – III

SECTION – A

 Multiple choice question with one correct answers

Q.1 A vertical wire is carrying current in the upward direction. Then the direction of magnetic field in the west
direction will be
(A) towards south (B) towards east (C) towards west (D) towards north

Q.2 A charge of 1.6 × 10–19 C enters in the magnetic field of 3 tesla normally with a velocity of 106 m/s.
The force on the charge will be
(A) 4.8 × 10–12 N (B) 4.8 × 10–13 N (C) 4.8 × 10–14 N (D) 2×10–19 N

Q.3 The magnetic field due to an infinitely long wire carrying a current of 2A at a distance of 10 m from it is
(A) 2 × 10–8 T (B) 4 × 10–8 T (C) 4 × 10–8 T (D) 2 × 10–6 T

Q.4 The device used for producing electric current is called a

(A) generator (B) galvanometer (C) ammeter (D) motor

Q.5 A circular loop is suspended in air as shown in figure. When the loop is
seen from above, current flows anti clock wise and when seen from
below, current flows clock wise. This loop behaves as a magnet. The
N-pole of this magnetic is on.
(A) the upper face
(B) lower face
(C) the lower face if current is large
(D) None of these

Q.6 A student connects a coil of wire with a sensitive galvanometer as shown in figure. He will observe the
deflection in the galvanometer if bar magnetic is

(A) placed near and parallel to the axis of the coil.

(B) placed near one of the faces of the coil and perpendicular to the axis of the coil.

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CH-2 : MAGNETIC EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC CURRENT PHYSICS / CLASS-X

(C) placed inside the coil.

(D) moved towards or away from the coil parallel to the axis of the coil.
Q.7 Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding magnetic filed lines.
(A) The direction of magnetic field at a point is taken to be the direction in which the north pole of a
magnetic compass needle points.
(B) Magnetic field lines are closed curves
(C) If magnetic field lines are parallel and equidistant, they represent zero field strength
(D) Relative strength of magnetic field is shown by the degree of closeness of the field lines.

Q.8 Magnetic field lines determine

(A) the shape of the magnetic field
(B) only the direction of the magnetic field
(C) only the relative strength of the magnetic field
(D) both the direction and the relative strength of the magnetic field

Q.9 The magnetic field near a long straight wire is described by

(A) straight field lines parallel to the wire (B) straight field lines perpendicular to the wire
(C) concentric circle centred on the wire (D) radial field lines starting from the wire
Q.10 The phenomenon of electromagnetic induction is
(A) the process of charging a sphere
(B) the process of producing magnetic field in a coil
(C) the process of producing induced current in a coil whenever there is a relative motion between the
coil and the magnet.
(D) the process of producing cooling effect
Q.11 Electric generator converts
(A) electrical energy into mechanical energy (B) mechanical energy into heat energy
(C) electrical energy into chemical energy (D) mechanical energy into electrical energy
Q.12 Electric motor converts
(A) mechanical energy into electric energy (B) mechanical energy into heat energy
(C) electrical energy into heat energy (D) electric energy into mechanical energy
Q.13 Potential difference between a live wire and the neutral wire in India is
(A) 200 volt (B) 150 volt (C) 210 volt (D) 220 V
Q.14 Magnetic field inside a intemetaly long solenoid carrying current is
(A) same at all points (B) minimum in the middle
(C) more at the ends than at the centre (D) found to increase from one end to the other
Q.15 Commercial electric motors do not use
(A) an electromagnetic to rotate armature (B) a soft
(C) aluminium, nickel, and iron (D) aluminium, nickel, cobalt and iron
Q.16 The frequency of direct current is
(A) zero (B) 50 Hz (C) 60 Hz (D) 100 Hz

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Q.17 The frequency of household supply of a.c in India is

(A) zero (B) 50 Hz (C) 60 Hz (D) 100 Hz
Q.18 Who invented generator?
(A) Oersted (B) Coulomb (C) Rutherford (D) Michael Faraday
Q.19 The most important safety device or method used for protecting electrical appliances from short circuiting
or overloading is
(A) earthing (B) use of stabilizers (C) use of electric meter (D) use of fuse
Q.20 To convert AC generator to DC generator
(A) slip rings and brushes must be used (B) split ring type commutator must be used
(C) rectangular wire loop is to be used (D) stronger magnetic field is to used
Q.21 Figure shows the magnetic field lines between the two faces A and B of two bar magnets.

(A) Both faces A and B of two bar magnets are North poles
(B) Both faces A and B of two bar magnets are South poles
(C) Face A is South pole, while face B is North pole
(D) Face A is North pole, while face B is South pole

Q.22 Same amount of current flows in the same direction along the two parallel conductors separated by a
small distance.
(A) both conductors attract each other
(B) both conductors repel each other
(C) conductors neither attract each other nor repel each other
(D) both conductors rotates about their axis

Q.23 When an electric current flows through a long solenoid, magnetic field is set up in and around the solenoid.
(A) magnetic field inside the solenoid is non-uniform and weak
(B) magnetic field outside the solenoid is uniform and strong
(C) magnetic field inside the solenoid increases as we move towards the ends of the solenoid
(D) magnetic field of solenoid resembles the magnetic field of the bar magnet

Q.24 Magnetic field produced at the centre of a current carrying circular wire is
(A) directly proportional to the square of the radius of the circular wire
(B) directly proportional to the radius of the circular wire
(C) inversely proportional to the square of the radius of the circular wire
(D) inversely proportional to the radius of the circular wire.

Q.25 The basic difference between an AC generator and a DC generator is that

(A) AC generator has slip ring while the DC generator has a split ring type commutator
(B) DC generator will generate a higher voltage

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CH-2 : MAGNETIC EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC CURRENT PHYSICS / CLASS-X

(C) AC generator will generate a higher voltage

(D) AC generator has an electromagnet while a DC generator has permanent magnet.

Q.26 Two parallel conductor carrying current in the opposite directions.

(A) repel each others
(B) attract each other
(C) sometimes attract and sometimes repel each other
(D) none of these

Q.27 Force acting on a stationary charge Q in the magnetic field B is

(A) BQv (B) BQ/v (C) Bv/Q (D) zero

Q.28 A current carrying conductor placed perpendicular to the magnetic field experience a force. The
displacement of this conductor in the magnetic field can be increased by
(A) decreasing the magnetic field (B) decreasing the current in the conductor
(C) increasing the magnetic field (D) decreasing the length of the conductor

Q.29 A conductor of length 50 cm, carrying current of 0.1 A, when placed perpendicular to direction of
magnetic field 0.2 T experience force.
(A) 1.0 N (B) 0.1 N (C) 0.01 N (D) 0.001 N

Q.30 A conductor of length , carrying current of 0.2 A, when placed perpendicular to direction of magnetic
field 0.4 T experience of force of 0.08 N. The length  of the conductor is
(A) 10 cm (B) 40 cm (C) 50 cm (D) 100 cm

Q.31 A charge particle having charge 3.2 × 10–19 C is travelling with a speed of 1.0 × 106 ms–1. When it
passes perpendicular to the magnetic field 0.4 T, the force experienced by it is
(A) 12.8 × 10–13 N (B) 1.28 × 10–13 N (C) 19.2 × 10–15 N (D) 1.92 × 10–15 N

Q.32 A charged particle having charge 1.6 × 10–19 C travels with a speed of 3.2 × 106 ms–1 in a direction
parallel to the direction of magnetic field 0.04 T. The force experienced by the particle is
(A) 2.0 × 10–14 N (B) 0.2 × 10–14 N (C) zero (D) 4.0 × 10–14 N

Q.33 When North pole of magnetic approaches a circular coil, then the current in the coil as seen from the
magnet side is
(A) clockwise (B) anticlockwise (C) parallel (D) antiparallel

Q.34 A vertical wire carries a current upward. The magnetic field at north of the wire will be directed
(A) upward (B) eastward (C) westward (D) northward

Q.35 The magnetic flux is expressed in

(A) dyne (B) Oersted (C) Gauss (D) Weber
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SECTION – B

 Multiple choice question with one or more than one correct answers

Q.1 The magnetic field lines have which of the following properties

(A) They are closed curves (B) Field lines don’t intersect

(C) The are discontinuous (D) None of the above

Q.2 Magnetic field due to a current carrying solenoid on its axis is

µ o nI
(A) constant (B) variable (C) B = µonI (D) At ends B 
2

Q.3 Lenz’s law explains the following

(A) direction of induced emf (B) direction of induced current

(C) conservation of energy (D) direction of induced magnetic field

SECTION – C

 Assertion & Reason

Instructions: In the following questions as Assertion (A) is given followed by a Reason (R). Mark your

responses from the following options.

(A) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of ‘Assertion’

(B) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is not the correct explanation of ‘Assertion’

(C) Assertion is true but Reason is false

(D) Assertion is false but Reason is true

Q.1 Assertion: A magnetic field is produced around a current carrying conductor.

Reason: This was experimentally proved by Oersted.

Q.2 Assertion: A charged particle (+vely charged) when enters normally to the magnetic field follows

an elliptical path

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CH-2 : MAGNETIC EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC CURRENT PHYSICS / CLASS-X

Reason: The magnetic force on the charged particle provides the necessary centripetal force

SECTION – D

 Match the following (one to one)

Column-I and column-II contains four entries each. Entries of column-I are to be matched with some
entries of column-II. Only One entries of column-I may have the matching with the same entries of column-
II and one entry of column-II Only one matching with entries of column-I

Q.1 Column I Column II

µo 2I
(A) B (P) Force on a charged particle q moving
4 r

with a velocity v in a magnetic field

(B) F = Bqv sin (Q) Fleming’s left-hand rule

mv
(C) Force on a current carrying conductor (R) r
qB

in a magnetic field
(D) Radius of the circular path of a charged (S) Magnetic field due to an infinitely
particle in a magnetic field long wire.

 Match the following (one to many)

Column-I and column-II contains four entries each. Entries of column-I are to be matched with some
entries of column-II. One or more than one entries of column-I may have the matching with the same entries
of column-II and one entry of column-II may have one or more than one matching with entries of column-I

Q.2 Column-I Column-II

(Devices) (Components used in given devices)
(A) Electric motor (P) Current carrying conductors
(B) Electromagnet (Q) Magnets
(C) AC Generator (R) Commutator
(D) Loud speakers (S) Brushes
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CH-2 : MAGNETIC EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC CURRENT PHYSICS / CLASS-X

ANSWER KEY

Knowledge Based Questions:

1. C 2. C 3. C 4. B 5. A 6. B 7. A
8. B 9. C 10. A

CONCEPT APPLICATION LEVEL – III

SECTION – A

Q.1 A Q.2 B Q.3 B Q.4 A Q.5 A Q.6 D Q.7 C

Q.8 D Q.9 C Q.10 C Q.11 D Q.12 D Q.13 D Q.14 A
Q.15 D Q.16 A Q.17 B Q.18 D Q.19 D Q.20 B Q.21 D
Q.22 B Q.23 D Q.24 D Q.25 A Q.26 B Q.27 A Q.28 C
Q.29 C Q.30 D Q.31 B Q.32 C Q.33 B Q.34 C Q.35 D
Q.36 D

SECTION – B

Q.1 AB Q.2 ACD Q.3 ABC

SECTION – C

Q.1 A Q.2 D

SECTION – D

Q.1 (A)-(S), (B)-(P),(C)-(Q),(D)-(R) Q.2 (A)-(PQRS), (B)-(P), (C)-(QS), (D)-(PQ)

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