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Force on a Current Carrying Conductor Questions in English

Class 12 Physics · Moving Charges and Magnetism · Force on a Current Carrying Conductor

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251
MediumMCQ
$A$ straight wire of mass $0.2 \,kg$ and length $1.5 \,m$ carries a current of $2 \,A$, as shown in the figure. It is suspended in mid-air by a uniform magnetic field $B$ pointing into the plane of the paper. Calculate the magnitude of the magnetic field. (Ignore Earth's magnetic field and assume $g = 10 \,m/s^2$) (in $\,T$)
Question diagram
A
$0.55$
B
$0.67$
C
$0.75$
D
$0.85$

Solution

(B) Given: Mass of the wire, $m = 0.2 \,kg$. Length of the wire, $l = 1.5 \,m$. Current, $I = 2 \,A$. Acceleration due to gravity, $g = 10 \,m/s^2$.
The magnetic force $F_m$ acting on a current-carrying wire in a uniform magnetic field is given by $F_m = I l B \sin \theta$. Since the magnetic field is perpendicular to the wire, $\theta = 90^{\circ}$, so $F_m = I l B$.
For the wire to be suspended in mid-air, the upward magnetic force must balance the downward gravitational force (weight) of the wire.
$F_m = w$
$I l B = m g$
Rearranging to solve for $B$:
$B = \frac{m g}{I l}$
$B = \frac{0.2 \times 10}{2 \times 1.5}$
$B = \frac{2}{3} \approx 0.67 \,T$
Therefore, the magnitude of the magnetic field is $0.67 \,T$.
252
DifficultMCQ
$A$ wire of length $L$ carries a current $I$ along the $X$-axis. The magnetic force acting on the wire is given by $\vec{F} = I B_0 L(\hat{k} - \hat{j})$. The existing magnetic field $\vec{B}$ is
A
$B_0 \hat{i}$
B
$B_0(\hat{i} + \hat{j} - \hat{k})$
C
$B_0(\hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k})$
D
$B_0(\hat{i} - \hat{j} - \hat{k})$

Solution

(C) The magnetic force on a current-carrying wire is given by $\vec{F} = I(\vec{L} \times \vec{B})$.
Here,the length vector is $\vec{L} = L \hat{i}$.
Given $\vec{F} = I B_0 L(\hat{k} - \hat{j})$.
Substituting these into the formula: $I B_0 L(\hat{k} - \hat{j}) = I(L \hat{i} \times \vec{B})$.
Dividing by $I L$,we get: $B_0(\hat{k} - \hat{j}) = \hat{i} \times \vec{B}$.
Let $\vec{B} = B_x \hat{i} + B_y \hat{j} + B_z \hat{k}$.
Then $\hat{i} \times (B_x \hat{i} + B_y \hat{j} + B_z \hat{k}) = B_y \hat{k} - B_z \hat{j}$.
Comparing this with $B_0(\hat{k} - \hat{j})$,we get $B_y = B_0$ and $B_z = B_0$.
Since the cross product with $\hat{i}$ eliminates any component along $\hat{i}$,$B_x$ can be any value,but looking at the options,$B_x = B_0$ satisfies the condition.
Thus,$\vec{B} = B_0(\hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k})$.
253
MediumMCQ
$A$ wire carrying a steady current $I$ is kept in the $x$-$y$ plane along the curve $y=A \sin \left(\frac{2 \pi}{\lambda} x\right)$. $A$ magnetic field $B$ exists in the $z$-direction. The magnitude of the magnetic force on the portion of the wire between $x=0$ and $x=\lambda$ is
A
$0$
B
$2 I \lambda B$
C
$I \lambda B$
D
$I \lambda B / 2$

Solution

(C) The magnetic force on a current-carrying wire in a uniform magnetic field is given by $\vec{F} = I (\vec{L}_{eff} \times \vec{B})$,where $\vec{L}_{eff}$ is the effective displacement vector from the starting point to the end point of the wire.
For the given curve $y = A \sin \left(\frac{2 \pi}{\lambda} x\right)$,the starting point is at $x=0$,which gives $y=0$. The end point is at $x=\lambda$,which gives $y = A \sin(2\pi) = 0$.
Thus,the effective displacement vector $\vec{L}_{eff}$ is the vector from $(0, 0)$ to $(\lambda, 0)$,which is $\vec{L}_{eff} = \lambda \hat{i}$.
The magnetic field is in the $z$-direction,so $\vec{B} = B \hat{k}$.
The magnetic force is $\vec{F} = I (\lambda \hat{i} \times B \hat{k}) = I \lambda B (\hat{i} \times \hat{k}) = -I \lambda B \hat{j}$.
The magnitude of the magnetic force is $|\vec{F}| = I \lambda B$.
Solution diagram
254
MediumMCQ
$A$ straight wire is placed in a magnetic field that varies with distance $x$ from the origin as $\vec{B} = B_0 \left( 2 - \frac{x}{a} \right) \hat{k}$. The ends of the wire are at $(a, 0)$ and $(2a, 0)$ and it carries a current $I$ in the positive $x$-direction. If the force on the wire is $\vec{F} = IB_0 \left( \frac{ka}{2} \right) \hat{j}$,then the value of $k$ is:
A
$1$
B
$5$
C
$-1$
D
$\frac{1}{2}$

Solution

(C) The magnetic force on a small current element $I d\vec{l}$ is given by $d\vec{F} = I (d\vec{l} \times \vec{B})$.
Here,the current element is $d\vec{l} = dx \hat{i}$ and the magnetic field is $\vec{B} = B_0 \left( 2 - \frac{x}{a} \right) \hat{k}$.
Thus,$d\vec{F} = I (dx \hat{i}) \times B_0 \left( 2 - \frac{x}{a} \right) \hat{k} = I B_0 \left( 2 - \frac{x}{a} \right) dx (\hat{i} \times \hat{k}) = I B_0 \left( 2 - \frac{x}{a} \right) dx (-\hat{j})$.
To find the total force,we integrate from $x = a$ to $x = 2a$:
$\vec{F} = \int_{a}^{2a} I B_0 \left( 2 - \frac{x}{a} \right) dx (-\hat{j})$
$\vec{F} = -I B_0 \hat{j} \int_{a}^{2a} \left( 2 - \frac{x}{a} \right) dx$
$\vec{F} = -I B_0 \hat{j} \left[ 2x - \frac{x^2}{2a} \right]_{a}^{2a}$
$\vec{F} = -I B_0 \hat{j} \left[ \left( 2(2a) - \frac{(2a)^2}{2a} \right) - \left( 2(a) - \frac{a^2}{2a} \right) \right]$
$\vec{F} = -I B_0 \hat{j} \left[ (4a - 2a) - (2a - 0.5a) \right]$
$\vec{F} = -I B_0 \hat{j} [ 2a - 1.5a ] = -I B_0 \left( \frac{a}{2} \right) \hat{j}$.
Comparing this with the given force $\vec{F} = I B_0 \left( \frac{ka}{2} \right) \hat{j}$,we get $k = -1$.
Solution diagram
255
MediumMCQ
$A$ horizontal semi-circular wire of radius $r$ is connected to a battery through two similar springs $X$ and $Y$. The battery sends a current $I$ through the wire. $A$ uniform magnetic field $B$ is applied perpendicular to the plane of the wire,as shown in the figure. What is the force acting on each spring?
Question diagram
A
$2 \pi rBI$
B
$\frac{1}{2} \pi rBI$
C
$BIr$
D
$2 BIr$

Solution

(C) The magnetic force $F_B$ acting on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field is given by $F_B = I \vec{L}_{eff} \times \vec{B}$.
For a semi-circular wire of radius $r$,the effective length $\vec{L}_{eff}$ is the straight-line distance between the two ends,which is the diameter $2r$.
Therefore,the magnitude of the magnetic force is $F_B = I(2r)B = 2IrB$.
This total upward magnetic force is shared equally by the two identical springs $X$ and $Y$ attached to the ends of the wire.
Let $F$ be the force acting on each spring. Then,$2F = F_B$.
Substituting the value of $F_B$,we get $2F = 2IrB$.
Thus,the force on each spring is $F = I r B$.
Solution diagram
256
EasyMCQ
As shown in the figure,a wire is bent to form a $D$-shaped loop carrying current $I$,where the curved part is a semi-circle of radius $R$. The loop is placed in a uniform magnetic field $\overrightarrow{B}$,which is directed into the plane of the paper. The net magnetic force on the closed loop is:
Question diagram
A
$0$
B
$IRB$
C
$2 IRB$
D
$\frac{1}{2} IRB$

Solution

(A) The magnetic force on a current-carrying conductor in a uniform magnetic field is given by $\overrightarrow{F} = I(\overrightarrow{L} \times \overrightarrow{B})$,where $\overrightarrow{L}$ is the displacement vector from the starting point to the end point of the conductor.
For any closed loop,the starting point and the end point are the same,which means the total displacement vector $\overrightarrow{L}$ is zero.
Therefore,the net magnetic force $\overrightarrow{F}$ on any closed current loop placed in a uniform magnetic field is always zero.
257
EasyMCQ
$A$ current of $1 \ A$ is flowing along the positive $x$-axis through a straight wire of length $0.5 \ m$ placed in a region of a magnetic field given by $\vec{B} = (2\hat{i} + 4\hat{j}) \ T$. The magnitude and the direction of the force experienced by the wire are,respectively:
A
$\sqrt{18} \ N$,along positive $z$-axis
B
$\sqrt{20} \ N$,along positive $x$-axis
C
$2 \ N$,along positive $z$-axis
D
$4 \ N$,along positive $y$-axis

Solution

(C) The force $\vec{F}$ on a current-carrying wire is given by $\vec{F} = I(\vec{L} \times \vec{B})$.
Here,$I = 1 \ A$,$\vec{L} = 0.5 \hat{i} \ m$,and $\vec{B} = (2\hat{i} + 4\hat{j}) \ T$.
Substituting the values:
$\vec{F} = 1 \times (0.5 \hat{i} \times (2\hat{i} + 4\hat{j}))$
$\vec{F} = 0.5 \times 2(\hat{i} \times \hat{i}) + 0.5 \times 4(\hat{i} \times \hat{j})$
Since $\hat{i} \times \hat{i} = 0$ and $\hat{i} \times \hat{j} = \hat{k}$:
$\vec{F} = 0 + 2\hat{k} = 2\hat{k} \ N$.
The magnitude of the force is $|\vec{F}| = 2 \ N$,and the direction is along the positive $z$-axis.
258
EasyMCQ
$A$ straight wire of length $2 \ m$ carries a current of $10 \ A$. If this wire is placed in a uniform magnetic field of $0.15 \ T$ making an angle of $45^{\circ}$ with the magnetic field,the applied force on the wire will be
A
$1.5 \ N$
B
$3 \ N$
C
$3 \sqrt{2} \ N$
D
$\frac{3}{\sqrt{2}} \ N$

Solution

(D) The force $F$ on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field is given by the formula $F = I L B \sin \theta$.
Given values are:
Current $I = 10 \ A$
Length $L = 2 \ m$
Magnetic field $B = 0.15 \ T$
Angle $\theta = 45^{\circ}$
Substituting these values into the formula:
$F = 10 \times 2 \times 0.15 \times \sin 45^{\circ}$
$F = 3 \times \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$
$F = \frac{3}{\sqrt{2}} \ N$.
259
DifficultMCQ
Three long straight wires carrying current are arranged mutually parallel as shown in the figure. The force experienced by $15 \ cm$ length of wire $Q$ is . . . . . . . $(\mu_0 = 4 \pi \times 10^{-7} \ T \cdot m/A)$
Question diagram
A
$6 \times 10^{-7} \ N$ towards $P$
B
$6 \times 10^{-6} \ N$ towards $R$
C
$6 \times 10^{-7} \ N$ towards $R$
D
$6 \times 10^{-6} \ N$ towards $P$

Solution

(B) The force per unit length between two parallel wires carrying currents $I_1$ and $I_2$ separated by distance $d$ is given by $f = \frac{\mu_0 I_1 I_2}{2 \pi d}$.
For wire $Q$ (current $I_Q = 1 \ A$):
$1$. Force due to wire $P$ ($I_P = 3 \ A$,$d_1 = 3 \ cm = 0.03 \ m$): Since currents are in opposite directions,the force is repulsive (away from $P$,i.e.,towards $R$).
$F_{QP} = \frac{\mu_0 I_Q I_P}{2 \pi d_1} \ell = (2 \times 10^{-7}) \times \frac{1 \times 3}{0.03} \times 0.15 = 2 \times 10^{-7} \times 100 \times 0.15 = 3 \times 10^{-6} \ N$ (towards $R$).
$2$. Force due to wire $R$ ($I_R = 2 \ A$,$d_2 = 2 \ cm = 0.02 \ m$): Since currents are in the same direction,the force is attractive (towards $R$).
$F_{QR} = \frac{\mu_0 I_Q I_R}{2 \pi d_2} \ell = (2 \times 10^{-7}) \times \frac{1 \times 2}{0.02} \times 0.15 = 2 \times 10^{-7} \times 100 \times 0.15 = 3 \times 10^{-6} \ N$ (towards $R$).
Total force $F_{net} = F_{QP} + F_{QR} = 3 \times 10^{-6} + 3 \times 10^{-6} = 6 \times 10^{-6} \ N$ towards $R$.
260
MediumMCQ
The horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field at a certain place is $3 \times 10^{-5} \text{T}$ and the direction of the field is from the geographic South to the geographic North. $A$ very long straight conductor is carrying a steady current of $1 \text{A}$. What is the force per unit length on it when it is placed on a horizontal table and the direction of current is South to North?
A
zero
B
$1 \times 10^{-5} \text{Nm}^{-1}$
C
$6 \times 10^{-5} \text{Nm}^{-1}$
D
$9 \times 10^{-5} \text{Nm}^{-1}$

Solution

(A) The force $\vec{F}$ on a conductor of length $L$ carrying current $I$ in a magnetic field $\vec{B}$ is given by $\vec{F} = I(\vec{L} \times \vec{B})$.
The magnitude of the force per unit length $f$ is given by $f = I B \sin\theta$,where $\theta$ is the angle between the direction of the current and the magnetic field.
In this case,the magnetic field $\vec{B}$ is directed from South to North,and the current $I$ is also flowing from South to North.
Therefore,the angle $\theta$ between the current and the magnetic field is $0^\circ$.
Since $\sin(0^\circ) = 0$,the force per unit length $f = I \times B \times \sin(0^\circ) = 0 \text{ N/m}$.

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