Magnetic Fields and

Forces

Part One
Cape Physics: R.Wint

Objectives
1. Define magnetic field, B,
2. Review the origin of magnetic field, B, in a currentcarrying conductor
3. Describe the direction of action of magnetomotive
force, F, on a moving
4. Define magnetic flux, magnetic flux density, and the Tesla
5. Sketch magnetic flux patterns in:
a)
b)
c)

Long straight wire

Flat circular wire (loop)
A long solenoid

6. Use Right-Hand rule to predict direction of magnetic field

around current-carrying wire
7. Apply the equations for a flat circular wire and solenoid
wire:
a) B = 0 I/ 2r (2)

B = (0 /2r ) NI (3) B= 0 nI

Objectives Contd
7. Apply Flemmings Left Hand Rule to predict
direction of force on current carrying condcutor
8. Use F= BILsin to solve problems
9. Explain how the force on current-carrying condcutor can be
used to measure magnetic flux density using a current
balance
10. Discuss the earth as a magnetic and van Allens radiation belt
11. Use F= Bqvsin to solve problems

Magnetic Field, B
Magnetic field is the region near a magnet or
moving charge in which a magnetic force acts on
another magnet or moving charge.
Magnetic field B is produced by a moving charge
such as electrons moving in a copper wire
The magnetic field B is a vector quantity similar to
electric field E
The direction of a magnetic field is tangent to the
field line
In a magnet: field lines leave at North pole and
enter at South pole

Magnetic Flux

Flux: the rate at which a quantity passes through a given

surface area

Magnetic flux : the strength of a magnetic

through a given surface.
SI unit is Weber Wb (volt-second)

Represented by Field Lines

The closer the lines, the stronger the field is a
that point
Field lines point in same direction

Magnetic Field Patterns

Straight long
wire

Flat loop wire

Solenoid wire

Magnetic Forces on Moving Charge

Magnetic forces due a uniform

magnetic field B, act perpendicular
on a moving charged object in the
field.

F= q (v sinB )
V = velocity of charge
Sin : magnetic field force acts
perpendicular to the charged object and
its velocity

Magnetic Flux Density, B,

acting on a Current
Carrying Wire
Magnetic Flux density,B: the force acting per unit
current per unit length on wire at right angles to the
magnetic field
The total magnetic flux passing through per unit area of a
surface perpendicular to the magnetic field lines
SI unit the Tesla T (Newton/ metresA)
B = Force/length (l) x current (I)
1Tesla: the magnetic flux density of a uniform electric field
when a 1m wire carrying 1A of current placed perpendicular
to the field, experiences 1N force at 90o to both the field
and the current.

Force Acting on A Current Carrying Wire

Since B = Force/ length (l) x current (I)

And force due to an magnetic field acts at 90o then

Force = BLIsin

Flemmings Left Hand Rule :

Magnetic Flux Density due to Straight and

Solenoid Wire

Magnetic field, B, can be generated

by electric current in a wire
Straight long Wire: B = 0 I/ 2r (0 =
4 x 10-7 Tm/A)

Single Loop Wire: B = (0 /2r )

Solenoid:

B= 0 nI (n = # turns/length)

Lorentz Force
Magnetism results from the motion of
electric charges or permanent dipoles in
ferro-magnets.
Magnetic forces act perpendicular on an
object in the field.
Moving charge, q, exerts two force fields:
E: electric field F = qE
B : magnetic field F = q (v sinB )
Lorentz Force : F = q( E + v sinB )