levo

Magnetism and Magnetic Fields

The force on a conductor, and how a motor turns

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 11 (Physics)

Overview

Force = magnetic flux density × current × length, the tesla and the units needed, when the equation applies, calculations of force, flux density, current and length, why a coil turns in a field, reversing the current every half turn, and making a motor faster or reversing it.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Key term

Write the equation linking the force on a current-carrying conductor to the magnetic flux density, the current and the length of conductor.

Key term

In the equation for the force on a conductor, what units must the current and the length be given in?

Key term

Under what condition does the equation force = magnetic flux density × current × length apply?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Write the equation linking the force on a current-carrying conductor to the magnetic flux density, the current and the length of conductor.

    Model answer

    Force = magnetic flux density × current × length.

  2. 2

    What is magnetic flux density, and in what unit is it measured?

    Model answer

    It is a measure of the strength of a magnetic field, measured in tesla (T).

  3. 3

    In the equation for the force on a conductor, what units must the current and the length be given in?

    Model answer

    The current in amperes (A) and the length in metres (m), which give the force in newtons (N).

  4. 4

    Under what condition does the equation force = magnetic flux density × current × length apply?

    Model answer

    Only when the conductor lies at right angles to the magnetic field.

  5. 5

    A wire of length 0.25 m carries a current of 3 A at right angles to a field of magnetic flux density 0.4 T. Calculate the force on the wire.

    Model answer

    The force is 0.3 N.

  6. 6

    A 0.05 m length of wire carrying a current of 4 A at right angles to a field feels a force of 0.6 N. Calculate the magnetic flux density.

    Model answer

    The magnetic flux density is 3 T.

Other ways to work this

The same content, four other ways.

What is inside Levo

Six ways to work the same material.

1Closed book
2Open book
3Closed book

The 3-step method, run for you

Answer cold, learn it, then prove it stuck. Levo tracks the jump between your first attempt and your last.

Electricity
Energy
Forces
Global Challenges

Cram a whole paper in one sitting

Sort every topic into what you know and what you do not, then drill only the weak ones.

Mass × .
velocityaccelerationweight

Blank Blitz makes facts automatic

Rapid timed gap-fills on the terms and numbers you need to recall without thinking.

AGamma radiation is the most penetrating.
BAlpha radiation is the least penetrating.
CAlpha radiation is the most strongly ionising.

Build It gets the exam shape right

Assemble a full-mark answer from its marking points, in the order an examiner wants them.

Current means the rate of flow of electric charge.
TrueFalse

Test It catches misconceptions

Spot the fault in a statement. The traps are the mistakes students actually make.

721941163128510

Brain Breaks between sessions

Short focus games to reset attention, so the next set lands better than the last.

Every question in Magnetism and Magnetic Fields, on a schedule.

Attempt a question from memory, write the correct version, then attempt it again. Levo records the jump between your first attempt and your last, and brings each question back on the day you are due to forget it.

Or £46 a year, about £3.83 a month. Cancel anytime.