A long straight conductor is partially placed inside a region of uniform magnetic…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Magnetism and Electromagnetism · Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Problem
A long straight conductor is partially placed inside a region of uniform magnetic field while the rest of the conductor lies outside the field. The magnetic field is horizontal and directed due north, whereas the current in the conductor is directed vertically upward.
Answer the following questions in brief:
(i) Define the term "effective length" of a current-carrying conductor situated in a magnetic field.
(ii) Explain, with reason, which section of the conductor in the above situation experiences a magnetic force.
(iii) If the current is kept unchanged but the conductor is slowly shifted so that a smaller fraction of its length now lies inside the field, describe qualitatively how the magnitude of the magnetic force on the conductor varies.
(iv) Draw a labelled sketch of the conductor and indicate the direction of the magnetic force acting on the portion that lies inside the field.