Magnetic Force on A Current
Benjamin Cobb/Livvy Pizzitola
October 12, 2023
Theory
The purpose of this experiment is to study the relationship that current and magnetic
force have in the form of a force. FB= IL X B is a vector equation that helps understand the
concept. The length (L) is parallel to B, while L and B lie on a horizontal plane. Using a scale,
the force exerted by the magnetic field can be measured. Fixing either the current or the length
and varying the other quantities should produce a relationship that can be graphed.
Data Tables
Table 1: Current Fixed
I(A) m(kg) Delta m(kg) F=abs (Delta m) *g (N)
0 0.16201 0 0
0.5 0.16216 0.00015 0.0014715
1.00 0.16232 0.00031 0.0030411
1.5 0.16258 0.00057 0.0055917
2 0.16264 0.00063 0.0061803
2.5 0.16274 0.00073 0.0071613
Table 2: Length Fixed
Length(m) m(kg) Delta m (kg) F=abs (Delta m) *g (N)
0 0.16201 0 0
0.01 0.16207 6E-05 0.0005886
0.02 0.16215 0.00014 0.0013734
0.03 0.16225 0.00024 0.0023544
0.04 0.16231 0.0003 0.002943
0.06 0.16249 0.00048 0.0047088
0.08 0.16259 0.00058 0.0056898
Calculations /Analysis
Table 1 shows the data we collected when we fixed the current to intervals of 0.5A.
These currents ranged from 0-2.5A. As the current was increased, a linear trend between the
current and the magnetic force being exerted. Table 2 shows the data after the length that current
was to flow thru was fixed in intervals of 1cm. Predictably, another similar sloped trend emerged
from the data. Force in both cases was calculated by taking the absolute value of delta m and
multiplying it by the speed of gravity.
Part 1
0.002999 Slope LB
0.074975 BI
0.000261
0 Delta Slope
0.006525 Delta BI
8.70% Fractional Uncertainty
Part 2
0.0741
9 Slope IB
0.1483
8 BI
3.40% Delta BI
3.66% Fractional Uncertainty
65.73% % Difference
Calculations
Fixed Current Graph
Fixed L Graph
Our Magnetic Current Station
Conclusion
The experiment was successful in showing that there is indeed a magnetic force that acts
proportional to the length and current that is involved. The first part was more successful than
the second though. We came up with a percentage error (difference) of 65% which is way higher
than the allotted 5%. This could be caused by not having an approximate tool to measure the
exact lengths of the circuit or approximating the values instead of using exact. Also, we noted
multiple times that the circuit board was touching the magnet during readings, and we had to
recalibrate the setup and start over. If done again, I would take more care of measurements of
length. Also reading the vernier scale was a challenge for some and that caused the readings to
be off due to human error.
