A straight horizontal metallic rod of length is suspended by two light threads so…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Moving Charges and Magnetism · Moving Charges and Magnetism
Problem
A straight horizontal metallic rod of length 0.50m is suspended by two light threads so that it can swing freely in all directions. A uniform magnetic field of 0.20T is established in the laboratory space. When a current of 8.0A is made to flow through the rod from south to north, the rod is observed to swing and take up a steady displacement toward the east.
(i) Identify the direction of the magnetic force acting on the rod when the current is switched on and justify your answer.
(ii) Explain why the rod finally remains in a displaced equilibrium position instead of continuing to accelerate.
(iii) Predict qualitatively the subsequent motion and final position of the rod if the direction of the current is reversed while keeping its magnitude the same. Give reasons for your prediction.