4.3.
Magnetic Force
The factors that determine the force are current, the length, and the strength of the magnetic field. We know
that the magnetic force on current carrying straight conductor is given by
F= IxLxB if I and B are perpendicular
Newton=Tesla x Ampere x meter, 1N=TmA
if a wire makes an angle ϴ from the magnetic field as shown below the magnetic field strength is calculated
by F=ILBsinϴ where ϴ the angle between the wire and magnetic field.
NB: the magnetic force on a wire is zero if the current flows parallel to the magnetic field. Sin0 0=0
when I and B are parallel
Example. A straight 3m long wire carry a current of 5A in magnetic field strength of 6T. Calculate the
magnetic force if the current flow in the field
a). Parallel b). Perpendicularly c). At 530 where sin530 =0.8 cos530=0.6
The direction of the force
RH rule is used to know the direction of magnetic force for a current carrying wire immersed in a magnetic
field. Point the four fingers of your right hand along the lines of magnetic field B and your thumb in the
direction of conventional current I. The force F on the wire is in the direction in which your palm would push.
Look at fig. below to understand it clearly.
It is possible to use fleming’s left hand rule
First finger
1
Magnetic force between two wires
Two parallel wires carrying current in the same Two wires carrying current in opposite directions
directions attract each other. repel each other
Fig a
Fig b
In the right side figure, the direction of B1 is perpendicular to the plane of the conductors and is directed into
the plane. The direction of B2 is out of the page. Thus, I and B are perpendicular to each other in both cases.
