A straight copper rod carrying electric current is kept in a uniform magnetic field
MATHEMATICS · Multi-part · GCSE · Mathematics · Ratio and Proportion · Ratio and Proportion
Problem
A straight copper rod carrying electric current is kept in a uniform magnetic field. Answer the following questions related to the factors affecting the mechanical force experienced by the rod.
(i) List all the physical quantities on which the magnitude of the force on the current-carrying rod depends.
(ii) Qualitatively explain how the force will change if the current in the rod is doubled while the magnetic field strength is halved, keeping the length of the rod and its orientation unchanged.
(iii) Without performing any numerical calculation, predict whether the magnitude of the force will increase, decrease, or remain the same when the angle between the rod and the magnetic field is changed from 90∘ to 30∘, all other factors being kept constant. Give a brief reason for your answer.