Electromagnets and transformers - AQAThe motor effect - Higher
Electromagnetism is due to the magnetic fields around electric currents. The fields can cause forces with other nearby magnets which can be used to make motors spin.
A wire carrying a current creates a magnetic fieldArea surrounding a magnet that can exert a force on magnetic materials.. This can interact with another magnetic field, causing a force that pushes the wire at right angles. This is called the motor effectThe effect where a force is exerted on a wire carrying a current in a magnetic field..
Calculating the motor effect force
To calculate the force on a wire carrying a current at right angles to a magnetic field, use the equation:
force = magnetic flux density 脳 current 脳 length
\(F = B~I~l\)
This is when:
F is force in newtons (N)
B is magnetic flux density (magnetic field strength) in tesla (T)
I is current in amperes 鈥 also referred to as amps 鈥 (A)
\(l\) is length in metres (m)
Example
2 A flows through a 50 cm wire. Calculate the force acting on the wire when it is placed at right angles in a 0.4 T magnetic field.
50 cm = 50 梅 100 = 0.5 m
\(F = B~I~l\)
\(F = 0.4 \times 2 \times 0.5\)
\(force = 0.4~N\)
Question
A 5.0 cm wire carries a current of 0.75 A. Calculate the force acting on the wire when it is placed at right angles in a 0.60 T magnetic field.