Figure 6 shows a wire in a magnetic field - AQA - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 4
Figure 6 shows a wire in a magnetic field. The direction of the current in the wire is shown.
There is a force on the wire due to the current in the magnetic field.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 6 shows a wire in a magnetic field - AQA - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
There is a force on the wire due to the current in the magnetic field. In which direction is the force on the wire?
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Answer
The direction of the force on the wire is downward.
Step 2
Give two ways that the direction of the force on the wire could be reversed.
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Answer
Reverse the direction of the current.
Reverse the direction of the magnetic field.
Step 3
Calculate the current in the wire.
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Answer
Given:
Length of wire: l=0.050m
Force: F=0.072N
Magnetic flux density: B=360mT=0.360T
Using the formula for the force on a current-carrying wire:
F=BIl
Rearranging the formula to find the current I:
I=BlF=0.360×0.0500.072=4.0A
Step 4
Explain why the coil rotates when there is a current in the coil.
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Answer
The coil experiences a magnetic field due to the permanent magnet and the current in the wire causes a magnetic field that interacts with the magnet. The current flows in opposite directions in each side of the coil, resulting in forces acting on opposite sides. This leads to a torque that causes rotation. The split-ring commutator ensures that the direction of current in the coil is always in the same direction relative to the magnetic field, allowing the coil to reverse its direction with each half rotation.