What is an application of magnetic fields?
Particle accelerators
State the definition of a magnetic field
A force field surrounding a magnet or current carrying wire which acts on any other magnet or current-carrying wire placed in the field
Where is the magnetic field on a bar magnet strongest?
At its poles
What are the two ends of a bar magnet referred to as?
North seeking and south seeking ‘poles’ - these correspond to the direction each end of the bar magnet points when the magnet is free to aline itself with the horizontal component of earths magnetic field
ie. north pole of magnet will point towards south pole and vice versa
What do magnetic field lines show?
The line of force of a magnetic field - line along which a north pole would move in a magnetic field
In what direction are magnetic field lines drawn?
North to south
What happens when a current carrying wire is placed in a magnetic field?
If a current-carrying wire is placed at a non-zero angle to the lines of force (magnetic field lines) of an external magnetic field, it will experience a force due to the field. This is because the magnetic field around the current-carrying wire and the external magnetic field interact producing a force that acts perpendicular to the wire and lines of force.
What is the name of the effect when a current-carrying wire experiences a force when placed in an external magnetic field?
The motor effect
Factors affecting the strength of the force on a current-carrying wire
When is the force experienced by a current-carrying wire in an external magnetic field = 0N?
When the wire is parallel to the magnetic field
When is the force experienced by a current-carrying wire in an external magnetic field greatest?
When the wire is at right angles to the magnetic field
How can you determine the direction of the force experienced due to the motor effect?
Using Flemings left hand rule
What does each finger represent in flemings left hand rule?
Thumb = Force
First finger = Field
Second finger = Conventional current
What do you have to look out for when using Flemings left hand rule?
Whether you are dealing with current, movement of positive particles or movement of negative particles
NB - If you are dealing with negative particles, conventional current is in the opposite direction to their movement
Describe the set up that can be used to investigate the force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field
What is the dependent and independent variable for the practical: Investigating magnetic fields in wires?
Dependent: Mass, m
Independent: Current, I
Describe briefly, the method for the practical: Investigating magnetic fields in wires
Describe briefly, the graphs and calculations needed for the practical: Investigating magnetic fields in wires
Describe briefly, the safety risks in the practical: Investigating magnetic fields in wires
Describe briefly, the ways you can improve accuracy in the practical: Investigating magnetic fields in wires
RANDOM ERROR
- Ensure that no high currents run through the wire, otherwise the wires resistance will increase and affect the experiment
SYSTEMATIC ERROR
- Ensure that the top pan balance is zeroed to avoid a zero error
What value are you trying to determine in the practical: Investigating magnetic fields in wires?
B, the magnetic flux density/strength of the magnetic field
Define the magnetic flux density, B, of a magnetic field
The force per unit length per unit current on a current-carrying conductor at right angles to the magnetic field lines
What is the equation that links force experienced by a wire of length, L, carrying a current, I, in a magnetic flux density,B?
F = BIL
What is the magnetic flux density also known as?
Strength of the magnetic field