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This question is about using a digital balance to investigate the force on a wire placed in a magnetic field when there is an electric current in the wire - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 3

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Question 1

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This question is about using a digital balance to investigate the force on a wire placed in a magnetic field when there is an electric current in the wire. A studen... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:This question is about using a digital balance to investigate the force on a wire placed in a magnetic field when there is an electric current in the wire - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 3

Step 1

Deduce the mass of the ruler. State one assumption you make.

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Answer

To determine the mass of the ruler, we can use the principle of moments about the pivot point at the end of the ruler. Assuming the ruler is uniform, the mass can be calculated by setting the sum of moments about the pivot equal to zero. This gives:

mimesgimesd=0m imes g imes d = 0
where mm is the mass of the ruler, gg is the acceleration due to gravity, and dd is the distance from the pivot to the center of mass. Given that the balance reads 214.66 g when set to zero, we can assume that the mass of the ruler is approximately 214.66 g.

Step 2

State and explain the direction of the horizontal uniform magnetic field.

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Answer

The direction of the horizontal uniform magnetic field is from terminal block P to terminal block Q. This is based on the right-hand rule, where if the current in the wire is flowing in a specific direction, the magnetic field generated is perpendicular to the flow of the current. When observing the current direction from P to Q, the magnetic field will be oriented horizontally in that direction.

Step 3

Determine B.

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Answer

To determine the magnitude of the magnetic flux density BB, we can use the formula provided: B=FIlB = \frac{F}{I l} Where FF is the force acting on the prism indicated by the balance reading, II is the current flowing through the wire, and ll is the length of the wire segment in the magnetic field. By substituting the recorded values of force, current, and length into this equation, we can find the value of BB.

Step 4

Tick (✓) one box in row 3 or 4 of Table 1 to identify the effect, if any, on the magnitude of the forces acting on the apparatus.

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Answer

Based on the change in pivot point, I would tick the box indicating there is an 'Increased' effect on the magnitude of the forces acting on the apparatus. The pivoting point changes the leverage applied by the forces and can, therefore, increase the apparent effect observed.

Step 5

Explain what the student could do to find I.

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Answer

To find the current II, the student should utilize the ammeter connected in series with the circuit. By adjusting the power supply and observing the readings from the ammeter, the student can take note of the readings for various settings of the power supply to determine how the current changes, thereby accurately measuring it.

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