MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

CHAPTER 4 MAGNETIC EFFECT OF CURRENT

4.1 CONCEPT OF MAGNETIC FIELD and connect it to a cell and a plug-key, as

shown in Fig. 4.1.
1. Briefly explain the concept of magnetic
field. It is observed that:
Concept of magnetic field. A magnet 1. When the wire is held above the needle
attracts small pieces of iron, cobalt, nickel and the current flows from the south to
etc. The space around a magnet within the north, the north pole of the
which its influence can be experienced is magnetic needle gets deflected
called .its magnetic field. However, it is towards the west, as shown in Fig.
now known that all magnetic phenomena 4.1(a).
result from forces between electric charges
2. When the direction of the current is
in motion.
reversed, so that it flows from the north
In order to explain the interaction to the south, the north pole of the
between two charges in motion, it is useful magnetic needle gets deflected
to introduce the concept of magnetic field, towards the east, as shown in Fig.
and to describe the interaction in two 4.1(b).
stages :
1. A moving charge or a current sets up or
creates a magnetic field in the space
surrounding it.
2. The magnetic field exerts a force on a
moving charge or a current in the field.
Like electric field, magnetic field is a
vector field, that is, a vector associated
with each point in space. We use the
symbol ⃗ for a magnetic field.
4.2 OERSTED'S EXPERIMENT
2. Describe Oersted's experiment leading
to the discovery of magnetic effect of
current. State Ampere's swimming rule
Magnetic effect of current :
Historical note. The relation between
electricity and magnetism was first noticed
by an Italian Jurist. Gian Demenico
Romagnosi in 1802. He found that an
electric current flowing in a wire affects a
magnetic needle, and published his
observations in a local newspaper, Gazetta
di Trentino. However, his observations Fig. 4.1 Deflection of a magnetic needle
were overlooked. The fact that a magnetic under the influence of electric
field is associated with an electric current current.
was rediscovered in 1820 by a Danish
3. When the wire is placed below the
Physicist, Hans Christian Oersted. His
needle, the direction of deflection of the
observations are explained below.
needle is again reversed.
Oersted's experiment. Consider a
4. When the current in the wire is stopped
magnetic needle SN pivoted over a stand.
flowing, the magnetic needle comes
Hold a wire AB parallel to the needle SN
back into its initial position.

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Since a magnetic needle can be known as Biot-Savart law.

deflected by a magnetic field only, it follows
Statement. As shown in Fig. 4.3, consider
from the above experiment that a current
carrying conductor produces a magnetic a current element ⃗⃗⃗ of a conductor XY
field around it. carrying current I. Let P be the point where
the magnetic field ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ due to the current
Ampere's swimming rule. This rule
predicts the direction of deflection of the element ⃗⃗⃗ is to be calculated. Let the
magnetic needle in the Oersted's position vector of point P relative to
experiment, it can be stated as follows : element ⃗⃗⃗ be . Let θ be the angle
⃗⃗⃗
between and .
Imagine a man swimming along the wire in
the direction of the flow of the current with
his face always turned towards the
magnetic needle, then the north pole of the
needle will get deflected towards his left
hand, as shown in Fig. 4.2.
The direction can also be remembered
with the help of the word SNOW. It
indicates that if the current flows from
South to North and the wire is held Over
the needle, the north pole is deflected
towards the West. Fig. 4.3 Biot-Savart law.
According to Biot-Savart law, the
magnitude of the field ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ is
1. directly proportional to the current I
through the conductor,

2. directly proportional to the length dl of

the current element,
dB dl
Fig. 4.2 Ampere's swimming rule.
3. directly proportional to sin θ,
4.3 BIOT-SAVART LAW
dB sin θ
3. State and explain Biot-Savart lazv for
the magnetic field produced by a current 4. inversely proportional to the square of
element. Define the SI unit of magnetic the distance r of the point P from the
field from this law. current element,

Biot-Savart law. Oersted experiment

showed that a current carrying conductor
produces a magnetic field around it. It is Combining all these four factors, we get
convenient to assume that this field is
made of contributions from different
segments of the conductor, called current
elements. A current elementis" denoted by or
⃗⃗⃗ , which has the same direction as that of
current I. From a series of experiments on The proportionality constant K depends
current carrying conductors of simple on the medium between the observation
shapes, two French physicists point P and the current element and the
Jean-Baptiste Biot and Felix Savart, in system of units chosen. For free space and
1820, deduced an expression for the in SI units,
magnetic field of a current element which is

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Tm or Wbm tesla
Here μ0 is a constant called Thus one tesla is 107 times the
permeability of free space. So the magnetic field produced by a conducting
Biot-Savart law in SI units may be wire of length one metre and carrying
expressed as current of one ampere at a distance of one
metre from it and perpendicular to it.
4.4 BIOT-SAVART LAW VS.
We can write the above equation as COULOMB'S LAW
4. Give some points of similarities and
differences between Biot-Savart law for the
As the direction of dB is perpendicular magnetic field and Coulomb's law for the
to the plane of ⃗⃗⃗ and , so from the above electrostatic field.
equation, we get the vector form of the
Biot-Savart law as Comparison of Biot-Savart law with
Coulomb's law. According to Coulomb's
⃗⃗⃗ law, the electric field produced by a
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
charged element at a distance r is given by

Direction of ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ . The direction of ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ is

the direction of the vector ⃗⃗⃗ × . It is given
by right hand screw ride. If we place a right According to Biot-Savart law, the magnetic
handed screw at point P perpendicular to field produced by a current element I ⃗⃗⃗ at
the plane of paper and turn its handle from a distance r is given by
dl to , then the direction in which the
screw advances gives the direction ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ .
Thus the direction of dB is perpendicular to
and into the plane of paper, as has been On comparing the above two
shown by encircled cross at point P in equations, we note the following points of
Fig. 4.3. similarities and differences between the
two laws.
Special Cases
Points of similarity :
1. If θ =0°, sin θ =0, so that dB=0
1. Both fields depend inversely on the
i.e., the magnetic field is zero at points on
square of the distance from the source
the axis of the current element.
to the point of observation.
2. If θ =90°, sin θ =1, so that dB is
2. Both are long range fields.
maximum i.e., the magnetic field due to
a current element is maximum in a 3. The principle of superposition is
plane passing through the element and applicable to both fields. This is
perpendicular to its axis. because the magnetic field is linearly
related to its source, namely, the
SI unit of magnetic field from
current element I dl and the
Biot-Savart law. The SI unit of magnetic
electrostatic field is related linearly to
field is tesla, named after the great
its source, namely, the electric charge.
Yugoslav inventor and scientist Nikola
Tesla. According to Biot-Savart law, Points of difference :
1. The magnetic field is produced by a
vector source : the current element I ⃗⃗⃗ .
If I =1 A, dl =lm, r=l m and θ =90° so The electrostatic field is produced by a
that , then scalar source : the electric charge dq.
2. The direction of the electrostatic field is
along the displacement vector joining

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the source and the field point. The 200 cm north-east from the piece.
direction of the magnetic field is
Solution. The problem is illustrated in
perpendicular to the plane containing
Fig. 4.4.
the displacement vector and the
current element I ⃗⃗⃗ .
3. In Bio-Savart law, the magnitude of the
magnetic field is proportional to the
sine of the angle between the current
element I ⃗⃗⃗ and displacement vector
while there is no such angle
dependence in the Coulomb's law for
the electrostatic field. Along the axial Fig. 4.4
line of the current element θ=0°, sinθ=0
As the distance OP is much larger than
and hence dB = 0.
the length of the wire, we can treat the wire
5. Write a relation between μ0, and a as a small current element.
Relation between μ0, and c. We know Here A
that
cm

and Tm

∴
.

The direction of the magnetic field at point

P is normally into the plane of paper.
But 3 × 10 ms speed of light in vacuum Example 2. An element ̂ is placed
(c) at the origin and carries a large current I
=10 A What is the magnetic field on the
∴
y-axis at a distance of 0.5 m. =1 cm
Or [NCERT]
√

Examples Based on Solution. Here dl = -1 cm - 10-2m, I

=10 A, r = y = 0.5 m, =90°, μ0/4π = 10-7
Boit-savart law Tm A-1
Formula Used

Biot-Savart law,
Units Used
Magnetic field B is in tesla, current I in
ampere and distance r in metre.
Constant Used
Permeability constant,
Tm Fig. 4.5

Example 1 A wire placed along the According to Biot-Savart law,

north-south direction carries a current of 8
A from south to north. Find the magnetic
field due to a 1 cm piece of wire at a point

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HUNTS
Proceed as in Example 1.
T Proceed as in Example 2.
The direction of the field ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ will be the Proceed as in Example 2.
direction of vector ⃗⃗⃗ . But We shall now apply Biot-Savart law to
⃗⃗⃗ ̂ calculate the magnetic field due to (i) a
̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
straight current carrying conductor and (ii)
Hence field ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ is in the + z-direction. a circular current loop.
Problems for Practice 4.5 MAGNETIC FIELD DUE TO A LONG
STRAIGHT CURRENT CARRYING
1. A wire placed along east-west direction CONDUCTOR
carries a current of 10 A from west to
east direction. Determine the magnetic 6. Apply Biot-Savart law to derive an
field due to a 1.8 cm piece of wire at a expression for the magnetic field produced
point 300 cm north-east from the piece. at a point due to the current flowing through
a straight wire of infinite length. Also draw
(Ans T, normally out of the plane the sketch of the magnetic field. State the
of paper) rules used for finding the direction of this
2. A small current element I ⃗⃗⃗ , with ⃗⃗⃗ = 2 magnetic field.
k mm and I = 2 A is centred at the origin. Magnetic field due to a long straight
Find magnetic field ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ at the following current carrying conductor As shown in
points : Fig. 4.7, consider a straight conductor XY
carrying current I. We wish to find its
(i) On the x-axis at x = 3 m.
magnetic field at the point P whose
(Ans. 4.44 × 10-11 ̂T) perpendicular distance from the wire is a
i.e., PQ = a.
(ii) On the x-axis at x = - 6 m.
(Ans. ̂ )
(iii) On the z-axis at z = 3 m.
(Ans. 0)
3. An element ⃗⃗⃗ = ̂ is placed at the
origin (as shown in Fig. 4.6) and carries
a current I = 2 A. Find out the magnetic
field at a point Pon the y-axis at a
distance of 1.0 m due to the element Ax
- 1 cm. Give also the direction of the
field produced. [CBSE D 09C]
(Ans. T in -direction)
Fig. 4.7 Magnetic field due to a straight
current carrying conductor.
Consider a small current element ⃗⃗⃗ of
the conductor at O. Its distance from Q is l
i.e., OQ = l. Let be the position vector of
point P relative to the current element and
θ be the angle between dl and r. According
to Biot-Savart law, the magnitude of the
field ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ due to the current element ⃗⃗⃗ will
be

Fig. 4.6

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2. If the conductor XY is infinitely long

but the point P lies near the end Y (or X),
From right Δ OQP, then and .

θ + ϕ =90° ∴
or θ = 90° - Φ Clearly, the magnetic field due to an
∴ sin θ = sin (90° - Φ) = cos Φ infinitely long straight current carrying
conductor at its one end is just half of that
lso cos Φ = at any point near its middle, provided the
two points are at the same perpendicular
or distance from the conductor.
3. If the conductor is of finite length L
As and the point P lies on its perpendicular
∴ 1 = a tan Φ bisector, then
⁄
On differentiating, we get
√ √
dl = a sec2 Φ dΦ

Hence

Or
√
According to right hand rule, the
direction of the magnetic field at the P due
to all such current elements will be in the √
same direction, namely, normally into the Direction of magnetic field. For an
plane of paper. Hence the total field B at infinitely long conductor,
the point P due to the entire conductor is
obtained by integrating the above equation
within the limits and

∫ ∫
Clearly, the magnitude of the magnetic
field will be same at all points located at the
same distance from the conductor. Hence
the magnetic lines of force of a straight

This equation gives magnetic field due

to a finite wire in. terms of the angles
subtended at the observation point by the
ends of the wire.
Special Cages
1. If the conductor XY is infinitely long Fig. 4.8 Magnetic lines of force of a
and the point P lies near the middle of the straight current carrying conductor.
conductor, then current carrying conductor are concentric
circles with the wire at the centre and in a
∴ plane perpendicular to the wire. [A line of
force is a curve, the tangent to which at any
point gives the direction of magnetic field at

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that point]. If the current flows upwards, the

lines of force have anticlockwise sense
[Fig. 4.8(A)] and if the current flows
downwards, then the lines of force have
clockwise sense [Fig. 4.8(b)].
Rules for finding the direction of
magnetic field due to straight current
carrying conductor. Either of the following
two rules can be used for this purpose :
1. Right hand thumb rule. If we hold the
straight conductor in the grip of our right
hand in such a way that the extended
Fig. 4.10 Cork screw rule for field due to
thumb points in the direction of current,
a straight conductor.
then the direction of the curl of the angers
will give the direction of the magnetic field Thus the graph plotted between the
(Fig. 4.9). magnetic field B and the distance a from
the straight conductor is a hyperbola, as
shown in Fig. 4.11.

Fig. 4.11 Variation of B with distance

from a straight conductor.
Fig. 4.9 Right hand rule for field due to a
straight conductor Examples based on

2. Maxwell's cork screw rule. If a right Magnetic field due to a straight current
handed screw be rotated along the wire so carrying conductor
that it advances in the direction of current, Formulae Used
then the direction in which the thumb
rotates gives the direction of the magnetic 1. Magnetic field due to a straight
field (Fig. 4.10). conductor of finite length,

Variation of magnetic field with

distance from -straight current carrying
conductor. For a straight current carrying 2. Magnetic field due to an infinitely long
conductor, straight conductor,

Units Used
Magnetic field B is in tesla, current I in
ampere and distance α in metre.
Example 3. A current of 10 A is flowing east
to west in a long wire kept horizontally in
the east-west direction. Find magnetic field
in a horizontal plane at a distance of

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(i) 10 cm north
√
(ii) 20 cm south from the wire; and in
the vertical plane at a distance of √
(iii) 40 cm downward and T
(iv) 50 cm upward. Example 5. Figure 4.12 shows two
current-carrying wires 1 and 2. Find the
Solution, (i) Magnetic field in a
magnitudes and directions of the magnetic
horizontal plane at 10 cm north of the wire
field at points P, Q and R.
is

T
According to right hand thumb rule, the
direction of the magnetic field will be
downward in the vertical plane.
(ii) Magnetic field at 20 cm south of the
wire is

T
Fig. 4.12
The magnetic field will point upward in Solution, (i) According to right hand grip
the vertical plane. rule, the field B1 of wire 1 at point P will
(iii) Magnetic field 40 cm just down the point normally outward while the field B2 of
wire is wire 2 will point normally inward, hence

T p

The magnetic field will point south in a

horizontal plane. [ ]
(iv) Magnetic field 50 cm just above the = 2 × 10-5 T, pointing normally outward.
wire is
(ii) At point Q, both B1 and B2 will point
T
normally inward,

The magnetic field will point north in a ∴ * +

horizontal plane. = 10-4 T, pointing normally inward.
Example 4. A long straight wire carrying a (iii) At point R, B1 points normally
current of 30 A is placed in an external inward and B2 points normally outward,
uniform magnetic field of
parallel to the current. Find the magnitude
[ ]
of the resultant magnetic field at a point 2.0
cm away from the wire.
= 4.5 × 10-5 T, pointing normally outward.
Solution. Here I =30 A, r =2.0 cm =2.0
Example 6. Two parallel wires P and Q
× 10-2 m
placed at a separation of r=6cm carry
Field due to straight current carrying electric currents I1 =5 A and I2 =2 A in
wire is opposite directions as shown in Fig. 4.13.
Find the point on the line PQ where the
T resultant magnetic field is zero.

This field will act perpendicular to the

external field B2 = 4.0× 10-4T. Hence the
magnitude of the resultant field is

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Fig. 4.13 √ √
Solution. At the required point, the
resultant magnetic field will be zero when directed normally outwards.
the fields due to the two wires have equal
magnitude and opposite directions. Such Example 8. A current of 1.0 A is flowing in
point should lie either to the left of P or to the sides of an equilateral triangle of side
the right of Q. But the wire Q has a smaller 4.5 × 10-2 m. Find the magnetic field at the
current, the point should lie closer to and to centroid of the triangle.
the right of Q. Let this point be R at [
distance x from Q, as shown in Fig. 4.13. Roorkee 91]
Field due to current f at point R, Solution. The situation is shown in Fig.
4.15. The magnetic field at the centre O
due to the current through side PQ is given
by
normally into the plane of paper. Field due
to current I2 at point R,

where a is the distance of PQ from O and

θ1, θ2 are the angles as shown. The
normally out of the plane of plane magnetic field due to each of the three
sides is the same in magnitude and
But B1 = B2 direction, therefore, total magnetic field at
∴ O is

Or

cm
cm

Example 7. Use Biot-Savart law to obtain

an expression for the magnetic field at the
centre of a coil bent in the form of a square
of side 2a carrying current I.
Solution. Refer to Fig. 4.14. Magnetic
field at O due to finite length of wire AB is Fig. 4.15
Here / =1.0 , θ1 = θ2 =60°,
Tm
√ ⁄
or

∴
√

√
[
]
√ √ √
T
Fig. 4.14
directed normally outwards.
The magnetic field at O due to
conductors BC, CD and DA will also be of Example 9. Figure 4.16 shows a
same magnitude and direction. Therefore, right-angled isosceles APQR having its
resultant field at 0 is base equal to a. A current of I ampere is
passing downwards along a thin straight

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wire cutting the plane of paper normally as 3. The magnetic induction at a point P
shown at Q. Likewise a similar wire carries which is at a distance of 4 cm from a
an equal current passing normally upwards long current carrying wire is 10-3 T.
at R. Find the magnitude and direction of What is the magnetic induction at
the magnetic induction B at P. Assume the another point Q which is at a distance
wires to be infinitely long. of 12 cm from this current carrying
wire? (Ans. 3.33 ×10-4 T)
[ISCE 97]
4. What current must flow in an infinitely
long straight wire to give a flux density
of 3 × 10-5 T at 6 cm from the wire?
(Ans. 9 A)
5. A vertical wire in which a current is
flowing produces a neutral point with
Fig. 4.16 the earth's magnetic field at a distance
of 10 cm from the wire. What is the
Solution. Let PQ = QR = r. In right
current if BH = 1.8 × 10-4 T? (Ans. 90 A)
,
6. Fig. 4.17 shows two long, straight wires
or carrying electric currents of 10 A each
√ in opposite directions. The separation
Magnetic induction at point P due to the between the wires is 5.0 cm. Find the
conductor passing through Q magnetic field at a point P midway
between the wires.
√
acting along PR
√ (Ans. 1.6 ×10-6 T)
Magnetic induction at point P due to the
conductor passing through R,
acting along PQ
√

As the two fields at point P are acting

along perpendicular directions, the
resultant magnetic induction at point P is

√
7. Two long parallel wires are placed at a
distance of 16 cm from each other in
air. Each wire has a current of 4 A.
√ √
√ √ √ Calculate the magnetic field at midpoint
between them when the currents in
Or them are (i) in the same direction and
(ii) in opposite directions. [Ans. (i) Zero
This field acts towards the midpoint of (ii) 2 × 10-5 T]
QR.
8. Two infinitely long insulated wires are
Problems for Practice kept perpendicular to each other. They
carry currents I1 = 2 A and I2 = 1.5 A. (i)
1. A straight wire carries a current of 3 A.
Calculate the magnitude of the Find the magnitude and direction of the
magnetic field at P. (ii) If the direction of
magnetic field at a point 10 cm away
from the wire. [CBSE D 96] current is reversed in one of the wires,
what would be the magnitude of the
(Ans. 6 × 10-6 T) field B ?
2. At what distance from a long straight [Ans. (I) 2 × 10 5 T, normally into the plane
wire carrying a current of 12 A will the of paper (ii) zero]
magnetic field be equal to 3 × 10-5 Wb
m-2. (Ans. 8 × 10-2 m)

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[IPUEE 13]
√
( ns. )

13. Two straight long conductors AOB and

COD are perpendicular to each other
and carry currents I1 and I2
respectively. Find the magnitude of the
magnetic field at a point P at a distance
9. A long straight wire carrying a current
a from the point O in a direction
of 200 A, runs through a cubical box,
perpendicular to the plane ABCD.
entering and leaving through holes in
the centres of opposite faces, as shown ( ns. ⁄
)
in Fig. 4.19. Each side of the box is of
20 cm. 14. Two insulating infinitely long
conductors carrying currents I2 and I2
lie mutually perpendicular to each other
in the same plane, as shown in Fig.
4.20. Find the magnetic field at the
point P (a, b).

Ans. ( ns. ( ) directed inward )

Fig. 4.19
Consider an element PQ of the wire 1 cm
long at the centre of the box. Calculate the
magnetic field produced by this element at
the points A, B, C and D. The points A, B
and C are the centres of the faces of the
cube and D is the midpoint of one edge.
(Ans. 20 × 10-6 T, 20 × 10-6 T, 0, 7.07 × 10-6
T)
Fig. 4.20
10. A long straight telephone cable
contains six wires, each carrying a HINTS
current of 0.5 A. The distance between
1. T
the wires is negligible. What is the
magnitude of magnetic field at a
distance of 10 cm from the cable (i) if 2. m
the currents in all the six wires are in 3. Magnetic field due to a straight current
same direction (ii) if four wires carry carrying conductor,
current in one direction and the other
two in opposite direction. [Ans. (i) 6.0 ×
i.e.,
10-6 T, (ii) 2.0 × 10 -6 T]
11. Calculate the magnetic induction at the ∴
centre of a coil bent in the form of a
square of side 10 cm carrying a current Or
of 10 A. [Punjab 01]
T
(Ans. 1.13 × 10-4 T)
12. A closed circuit is in the form of a 4.
regular hexagon of side a. If the circuit
5. If neutral point is obtained at distance r
carries current I, what is magnetic
from the wire, then
induction at the centre of the hexagon?

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cm m
√ √ √

or

6. According to right hand thumb rule, the

direction of magnetic field due to
current in each wire is perpendicular to √ √
and pointing into the plane of paper. = 7.07 ×10-6 T.
Hence total field at point P is
10. (i) Net current, I = 0.5 × 6 = 3.0 A, r =
10 cm = 0.1 m

T
T
(ii) Net current, I = 0.5 × 4 - 0.5 × 2 = 1.0 A
[ cm m]
T
7. (i) When the currents are in same
direction, 11. Refer to Fig. 4.21. Magnetic field at O
due to finite wire AB,

(ii) When the currents are in opposite

directions,

8. T

normally into the plane of paper.

Fig. 4.21
T

normally into the plane of paper

normally into the plane of paper. (iI)

When current in any one wire is reversed, = 2.83 ×10-5T
the two fields will be in opposite directions, Total magnetic induction at Q
so that B=zero.
T
9. Here I = 200 A, PQ = dl = 1 cm = 0.01 m
directed normally outward.
For point A or B, r = 10 cm = 0.1 m, θ = 90°,
therefore √
12. √

T
For point C, θ = 0°, therefore

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Fig. 4.22 loop can be divided into a large number of

small current elements.
Magnetic field at O due to current in AB is
Consider a current element ⃗⃗⃗ of the loop.
According to Biot-Savart law, the magnetic
field at the centre O due to this element is
⃗⃗⃗
√ √ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
√
Total field at
13. Magnetic field at P due to current in
wire AOB,

Magnetic field at P due to current in wire

COD,

Fig. 4.23 Magnetic field at the centre of

a circular current loop.
As the two conductors are perpendicular to
each other, so B1 and B2 will also be The field at point O points normally into
perpendicular to each other. Hence the the plane of paper, as shown by encircled
resultant magnetic field at P is cross X. The direction of ⃗⃗⃗ is along the
⁄
tangent, so ⃗⃗⃗ . Consequently, the
√ magnetic field at the centre O due to this
current element is
⁄

14. Magnetic field at point Pdue to

current I The magnetic field due to all such
current elements will point into the plane of
, directed normally inward paper at centre O. Hence the total
Magnetic field at point P due to current I2, magnetic field at the centre O is

directed normally outward

s so
Hence the net magnetic field at the point P,
or
( )
If instead of a single loop, there is a coil
directed normally inward. of N turns, all wound over one another,
4.6 MAGNETIC FIELD AT THE CENTRE then
OF CIRCULAR CURRENT LOOP
7. Apply Biot-Savart law to derive an
expression for the magnetic field at the 4.7 MAGNETIC FIELD ON THE AXIS OF
centre of a current carrying circular loop. A CIRCULAR CURRENT LOOP
Magnetic field at the centre of a circular 8. Apply Biot-Savart law to find the
current loop. As shown in Fig. 4.23, magnetic field due to a circular current
consider a circular loop of wire of radius r carrying loop at a point on the axis of the
carrying current I. We wish to calculate its loop. State the rules used to find the
magnetic field at the centre O. The entire direction of this magnetic field.

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Magnetic field along the axis of a But and

circular current loop. Consider a circular
loop of wire of radius a and carrying current ∴
I, as shown in Fig. 4.24. Let the plane of the
loop be perpendicular to the plane of Since μQ and I are constant, and s and
paper. We wish to find field B at an axial a are same for all points on the circular
point P at a distance r from the centre C. loop, we have

circumference

or ⁄
⁄

⃗ ̂
⁄

Fig. 4.24 Magnetic field on the axis of a As the direction of the field is along +ve
circular current loop. X-direction, so we can write
Consider a current element dl at the top
of the loop. It has an outward coming ⃗ ̂
⁄
current.
If the coil consists of N turns, then
If s be the position vector of point P
relative to the element ⃗⃗⃗ , then from ⁄

Biot-Savart law, the field at point P due to

Special Cases
the current element is
1. At the centre of the current loop,
Since ⃗⃗⃗ , i.e., θ =90°, therefore r = 0, therefore

The field ⃗ lies in the plane of paper

and is perpendicular to s, as shown by ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ .
Let Φ be the angle between OP and CP. where A = α2 = area of the circular current
Then dB can be resolved into two loop. The field is directed perpendicular to
rectangular components. the plane of the current loop.
1. dB sin Φ along the axis, 2. At the axial points lying far away
from the coil, r » a, so that
2. dB cos Φ perpendicular to the
axis.
For any two diametrically opposite
elements of the loop, the components This field is directed along the axis of
perpendicular to the axis of the loop will be the loop and falls off as the cube of the
equal and opposite and will cancel out. distance from the current loop.
Their axial components will be in the same
direction, 3. At an axial point at a distance
equal to the radius of the coil i.e., r = a,
i.e., along CP and get added up. we have
∴ Total magnetic field at the point P in
the direction CP is ⁄ ⁄

Direction of the magnetic field. Fig.

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4.25 shows the magnetic lines of force of a

circular wire carrying current. The lines of
force near the wire are almost concentric
circles. As we move radially towards the
centre of the loop, the concentric circles
become larger and larger i.e., the lines of
force become less and less curved. If the
plane of the circular loop is held
perpendicular to the magnetic meridian,
the lines at the centre are almost straight, Fig. 4.27 Variation of B along the axis of
parallel and perpendicular to the plane of a circular current loop.
the loop. Thus the magnetic field is uniform the magnetic field along the axis of a
at the centre of the loop. circular loop with distance from its centre.
The value of B is maximum at the centre,
and it decreases as we go away from the
centre, on either side of the loop.
Examples based on
Formulae Used
1. Magnetic field at the centre of a
circular loop,

Fig. 4.25 Magnetic lines of force of a

circular current loop. 2. Magnetic field at an axial point of a
Rules for finding the direction of a circular loop,
magnetic field due to a circular current
loop. Either of the following two rules can ⁄
be used for finding the direction of B.
1. Right hand thumb rule. If we curl Units Used
the palm of our right hand around the Magnetic field B is in tesla, current in
circular wire with the fingers pointing in the ampere, distances r and a in metre.
direction of the current, then the extended
thumb gives the direction of the magnetic Constant Used
field. Tm
2. Clock rule. This rule gives the Example 1 0. The plane of a circular coil is
polarity of any face of the circular current horizontal. It has 10 turns each of radius 8
loop. If the current round any face of the cm. A current of 2 A flows through it. The
coil is in anticlockwise direction, it behaves current appears to flow clockwise from a
like a north pole. If the current flows in the point above the coil. Find the magnitude
clockwise direction, it behaves like a south and direction of the magnetic field at the
pole (Fig. 4.26). centre of the coil due to the current.
Solution. Here N =10, r =8 cm =0.08
m, I =2 A

Fig. 4.26 Clock rule. As the current flows clockwise when

seen from above the coil, the magnetic
Variation of the magnetic field along the field at the centre of the coil points
axis of a circular current loop. Fig. 4.27 vertically downwards.
shows the variation of
Example 11 .In the Bohr model of

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hydrogen atom, an electron revolves lies in the XY plane with its centre at the
around the nucleus in a circular orbit of origin of co-ordinates. Find the magnetic
radius 5.11 × 10-11 m at a frequency of 6.8 field, at the point (0, 0, 20 √ cm), when
× 1015 Hz. What is the magnetic field set up this coil carries a current of ( )
at the centre of the orbit?
[CBSED16C]
Solution. If n is the frequency of
revolution of the electron, then Solution. Here N = 100, a = 20 cm = 0.2
m

√ cm √ m

The coil lies in XY-plane and the field

point (0, 0, 20√ ) lies on 2-axis.
T
Magnetic field at the axial field point,
Example 12. The radius of the first orbit of
hydrogen atom is 0.5 A. The electron ⁄
moves in an orbit with a uniform speed of
2.2 × 106 ms-1. Calculate (i) the equivalent ( )
current (ii) the equivalent dipole moment ⁄
T
and (iii) the magnetic field produced at the * ( √ ) +
centre of the nucleus due to the motion of
this electron? Use and T T
⁄
electronic charge = 1.6 × C.
[ISCE981
T T T
Solution, (i) Here r = 0.5 A =0.5 × 10-10
m, Example 14. The magnetic field due to a
6 -1 current-carrying circular loop of radius 12
v = 2.2 × 10 ms
cm at its centre is 0.50 × 10-4 T. Find the
Period of revolution of electron, magnetic field due to this loop at a point on
the axis at a distance of 5.0 cm from the
centre.

s Solution. centre and axial

Equivalent current, ⁄

Charge axial
Time
⁄
centre

(ii) Equivalent dipole moment, ∴ ⁄

Here a =12 cm = 12 × 10 2m, r = 5 cm = 5 ×

m 10 2 m,
= 8.8× 10 -24 2
Am . centre T
(iii) Magnetic field produced at the ∴
⁄
centre of the nucleus,

Example 1 3. A circular coil, having 100 Example 15. Two identical circular coils of
turns of wire, of radius (nearly) 20 cm each, radius 0.1 m, each having 20 turns are
mounted co-axially 0.1 m apart. A current

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of 0.5 A is passed through both of them (i) Solution. For the net magnetic field at
in the same direction, (ii) in the opposite the point O to be zero, the direction of
directions. Find the magnetic field at the current in loop L2 should be opposite to that
centre of each coil. in loop
Solution. Here a =0.1 m, N =20, r = 0.1 m, I Magnitude of magnetic field due to
=0.5 A current in = Magnitude of magnetic
Magnetic field at the centre of each coil field due to current in
due to its own current is
or ⁄

T ⁄

Magnetic field at the centre of one coil

due to the current in the other coil is or

Example 1 7. A long wire having a

⁄
semi-circular loop of radius r carries a
current I, as shown in Fig. 4.28. Find the
magnetic field due to entire wire at the
⁄
point O.

T
√
Fig. 4.28
(i) When the currents are in the same
direction, the resultant field at the Solution. Magnetic field due to linear
centre of each coil is portion. Any element ⃗⃗⃗ of linear portions
like PQ or ST will make angles 0 or π with
=
the position vector r. Therefore, field at O
8.50 × 10-5 T.
due to linear portion is
(ii) When the currents are in opposite
directions, the resultant field is
= Magnetic field due to semi-circular
4.06 × 10-5 T.
portion. Any element ⃗⃗⃗ on this portion will
Example 16. Two coaxial circular loops be perpendicular to the position vector ,
and of radii 3 therefore, field due to one such element at
c point will be
m and 4 cm are placed as shown. What
should be the magnitude and direction of
the current in the loop so that the net
magnetic field at the point O be zero? Magnetic field due to the entire circular
portion is given by
[CBSE SP 08]

∴ Total magnetic field at point

Example 1 8. A straight wire carrying a
current of 12 A is bent into a semicircular
arc of radius 2.0 cm as shown in
Fig. 4.29(a). What is the direction and
magnitude ofB at the

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∴ Total field at O is

( ), up the plane of
paper.
Example 20. Figure 4.31 shows a current
Fig. 4.29 loop having two circular segments and
joined by two radial lines. Find the
centre of the arc ? Would your answer magnetic field at the centre O.
change if the wire were bent into a
semicircular arc of the same radius but in
the opposite way as shown in Fig. 4.29(b)?
[NCERT; Pb 91]
Solution, (i) Magnetic field at the centre
of the arc is
Here, I= 12 A r =2.0 cm =0.02 m, μ0 =4π×
10-7 TmA-1
Tm Fig. 4.31
Solution. Since the point O lies on lines
T SP and QR, so the magnetic field at O due
to these straight portions is zero.
According to right hand rule, the
direction of the field is normally into the The magnetic field at O due to the
plane of paper. circular segment PQ is
(ii) The magnetic field will be of same
magnitude, T
The direction of the field is normally out Here, l = length of arc PQ = a
of the plane of paper. directed normally upward
Example 19. A long wire is bent as shown
in Fig. 4.30. What will be the magnitude Similarly, the magnetic field at O due to
and direction of the field at the centre O of the circular segment SR is
the circular portion, if a current I is passed directed normally downward.
through the wire? Assume that the various
portions of the wire do not touch at point P. The resultant field at O is

Example 21. The wire shown in Fig. 4.32

carries a current of 10 A. Determine the
magnitude of the magnetic field at the
centre O. Given radius of the bent coil is 3
Solution. The system consists of a cm.
straight conductor and a circular loop. Field
due to straight conductor at point O is [Punjab 01 ; AIIMS 13]

, up the plane of paper

Field due to circular loop at point O is
up the plane of paper

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Similarly, magnetic induction at O due

to straight conductor qc is
T
normally out of the plane of paper.
Total magnetic induction at O is

Fig. 4.32 T
rc normally out of the plane of paper.
Solution. s rad Radius
Example 23. The current-loop PQRSTP
∴ or formed by two circular segments of radii R1
and R2 carries a current of I ampere. Find
According to Biot-Savart law, magnetic the magnetic field at the common centre O.
field at the centre O is What will be the field if angle a =90°?
Solution. The magnetic field at O due to
each of the straight parts PQ and RS is
zero because θ = 0°, for each of them.

T
Example 22. In Fig. 4.33, abed is a circular
coil of non-insulated thin uniform
conductor. Conductors pa and qc are very
long straight parallel conductors tangential
to the coil at the points a and c. If a current
of 5 A enters the coil from p to a, find the
magnetic induction at O, the centre of the Fig. 4.34
coil. The diameter of the coil is 10 cm. Magnetic field at the centre O due to
circular segment QR of radius R2 is

Here,
l2 = length of circular segment
Fig. 4.33 directed normally downward
Solution. Here Iabc = Iadc =2.5 A,
Similarly, the magnetic field at O due to
cm the circular segment STP is
m
, directed normally
The magnetic induction at O due to the
current in part abc of the coil is equal and downward
opposite to the magnetic induction due to Hence the resultant field at O is
the current in part adc. So magnetic
induction at O due to the coil is zero. ( )
Magnetic induction at O due to the
straight conductor pa (a half infinite directed normally downward If α
segment) is =90° = π/2, then

T [ ]
normally out of the plane of paper. Example 24. A current I = 5.0 A flows along

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a thin wire shaped as shown in Fig. 4.35. Now suppose the wire B is bent into a
The radius of the curved part of the wire is square of side L. We know that the
equal to R =120 mm, the angle 2 ϕ = 90°. magnetic field due to a wire of finite length
Find the magnetic induction of the field at whose ends make angles α and β with the
the point O. perpendicular dropped on wire from the
given point at distance r from it is given by

Fig. 4.35,
Solution. Magnetic induction at O due
to the line segment AB is

Fig. 4.36

/ acting normally downwards ∴ Magnetic field at O due to conductor

AB is
Magnetic field at O due to the current
through arc segment is √

/ acting normally
downwards
By symmetry, magnetic field at O due
Total magnetic induction at O,
to all the four sides of the square will be in
the same direction. Hence total field at O
due to the current-carrying square is
√ √
...(2)
Comparing equations (1) and (2), we
T find that the square wire produces a
greater field at its centre.
Example 25. Two wires A and B have the
same length equal to 44 cm and carry a (b) Magnetic field at the centre of the
current of 10 A each. Wire A is bent into a circular wire is
circle and wire B into a square, (a) Which
wire produces a greater magnetic field at T
the centre? (b) Obtain the magnitudes of
the fields at the centres of the two wires. T cm

Solution. Given I =10 A, Magnetic field at the centre of the square

wire is
Length of each wire = 44 cm = 4L (say)
√
(a) Suppose the wire is bent into a
circle of radius R. Then its perimeter
2πR=4L T

∴ Magnetic field at the centre of the

T
circular wire is
Example 26. Two identical coils P and Q
each of radius R are lying in perpendicular
planes such that they have a common

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centre. Find the magnitude and direction of 1.57 × 10-5T)

the magnetic field at the common centre of
5. Two identical circular wires P and Q
the two coils, if they carry currents equal to
each of radius R and carrying current T
I and √ respectively. are kept in perpendicular planes such
[CBS that they have a common centre as
E F 16 ; OD 17] shown in figure. Find the magnitude
and direction of the net magnetic field
at the common centre of the two coils.
[CBSE D 12]
(Ans. at an angle of 45° with either of
√
the two fields)

Solution. ⃗ vertically upwards,

√
⃗

Resultant field at the centre is 6. Two identical loops P and Q each of

⁄ radius 5 cm are lying in perpendicular
√ planes such that they have a common
√ [( ) ( ) ] centre as shown in the figure. Find the
magnitude and direction of the net
⁄
magnetic field at the common centre of
the two coils, if the carry currents equal
to 3 A and 4 A respectively.

√ [CBSE OD 17]
Problems for Practice (Ans. T )
1. Consider a tightly wound 100 turn coil
of radius 10 cm, carrying a current of 1
A. What is the magnitude of the
magnetic field at the centre of the coil?
[NCERT] (Ans. 6.28 × 10-4 T)
2. A circular loop of one turn carries a
current of 5.0 A. If the magnetic field at
the centre is 0.20 mT, find the radius of 7. A straight wire, of length metre, is
the loop. (Ans. 1.57 cm) bent into a circular shape. If the wire
3. What current has to be maintained in a were to carry a current of 5 A, calculate
circular coil of wire of 50 turns and 2.54 the magnetic field, due to it, before
cm in radius in order to just cancel the bending, at a point distant 0.01 times
effect of earth's magnetic field at a the radius of the circle formed from it.
place where the horizontal component Also calculate the magnetic field, at the
of earth's field is 1.86 × 10-5 T ? (Ans. centre of the circular loop formed, for
0.015 A) the same value of current.

4. A semicircular arc of radius 20 cm [CBSE OD 04C]

carries a current of 10 A. Calculate the (Ans. 1.256 × 10-5 T)
magnitude of the magnetic field at the
centre of the arc. [CBSE D 02] (Ans. 8. A circular coil has 35 turns and a mean
radius of 4.0 cm. It carries a current of

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1.2 A. Find the magnetic field (i) at a

point on the axis of the coil at a
distance of 40 cm from its centre and
(ii) at the centre of the coil. [Ans. (i) 6.5
× 10-7 T (ii) 6.6 × 10-4 T]
9. A thick straight copper wire, carrying a
current of 10 A is bent into a
semicircular arc of radius 7.0 cm as
shown in Fig. 4.38(a). (i) State the
direction and calculate the magnitude
12. A circular segment of radius 10 cm
of magnetic field at the centre of arc. (ii)
subtends an angle of 60° at its centre.
How would your answer change if the
A current of 9 A is flowing through it.
same wire were bent into a semicircular
Find the magnitude and direction of the
arc of the same radius but in opposite
magnetic field produced at the centre
way as shown in Fig. 4.38(b)?
(Fig. 4.41).
[Ans. (i) 4.5 × 10-5 T, outside the plane of
(Ans. 9.42 ×10-6 T)
paper, (ii) 4.5 × 10-5T, into the plane of
paper]

Fig. 4.38
10. A long wire is bent as shown in Fig.
4.39. Find the magnitude and direction
of the magnetic field at the centre O of
the circular part, if a current I is passed 13. A current of I ampere is flowing through
through the wire. the bent wire shown in Fig. 4.42. Find the
magnitude and direction of the magnetic
field at point O.
[Ans. directed normally
downward]
14. In Fig. 4.43, the curved portion is a
semi-circle and the straight wires are long.
Find the magnetic field at the point O.
[Ans. ( ) normally into the plane of
paper] Ans. ns.

11. Figure 4.40 shows two semicircular

loops of radii and carrying current I.
Find the magnitude and direction of the
magnetic field at the common centre O.

( ) Normally downward]

15. A metallic wire is bent into the shape

shown in Fig. 4.44 and carries a current
I. If O is the common centre of all the
three circular arcs of radii r, 2r and 3r,

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find the magnetic field at the point O. Let the resultant field make angle θ with the
vertical. Then,
ns.
( )
normally inward
∴

7. Here metre m
Magnetic field due to straight wire,

= 4 ×10-4 T
Magnetic field at the centre of the circular
loop,
HINTS
T
1. As the coil is tightly wound, so radius of
each turn, r = 10 cm = 0.1 m 8. (i) N = 35, I = 1.2 A, a = 40 cm = 0.04
m,
r = 40 cm = 0.40 m
T
axial ⁄
2. Radius,
= 1.57×10-2 m =1.57 cm.
⁄
3. R

T
(ii) centre T

4. Use 9. (i) Magnetic field at the centre of the arc

is
6. Magnetic field at the centre of a circular
Here I = 10 A, r = 7 cm = 0.07 m, μ0 = 4π ×
coil,
10-7 TmA-1
T T , along
T
vertical
The direction of the field is normally outside
T , along
the plane of paper.
horizontal
(ii) B = 4.5 × 10-4 T. The field B will point
Resultant field, normally into the plane of paper.

√ 10. Magnitude of the magnetic field at O

due to the straight part of the wire is
√
T T normally out plane of paper
Magnetic field at the centre O due to the

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current loop of radius R is Resultant field at O,

= normally into the plane of * +
paper Resultant field at O is 15. Magnetic field at O due to the straight
parts of the wire will be zero. Magnetic
( ) fields at O due to the three circular arcs
of radii r, 2r and 3r are
normally into the plane of paper.
, acting normally inward
11.
( ) , acting normally outward

12. Here rad , acting normally inward

Thus the total magnetic field at the centre
s rad or O is

According to Biot-Savart law, magnetic ( )

field at the centre O is
, acting normally inward.
4.8 AMPERE'S CIRCUITAL LAW AND ITS
APPLICATION TO INFINITELY LONG
T STRAIGHT WIRE
13. Any element ⃗⃗⃗ on the arc will be 9. (a) State Ampere's circuital law and
perpendicular to the position vector , prove it for the magnetic field produced
so the field due to one such element at by a straight current carrying
the centre O will be conductor.
Ampere's circuital law. Just as Gauss's
law is an alternative form of Coulomb's law
in electrostatics, similarly we have
Magnetic field due to the entire arc at the Ampere's circuital law as an alternative
centre O, form of Biot-Savart law in magnetostatics.
Ampere's circuital law gives a relationship
between the line integral of a magnetic field
B and the total current I which produces
But / = length of arc = car
this field.
Ampere's circuital law states that the line
integral of the magnetic field ⃗ around
14. Magnetic field at point O due to any any closed circuit is equal to μ0
current element is perpendicular to and (permeability constant) times the total
points out of the plane of paper. current I threading or passing through
Magnetic field at O due to the upper this closed circuit. Mathematically,
straight wire is ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗
In a simplified form, Ampere's circuital law
states that if field ⃗ is directed along the
Similarly, field at O due to lower straight tangent to every point on the perimeter L of
wire is a closed curve and its magnitude is
constant along the curve, then
Field at O due to the semicircle of radius d
BL=μ0 I
12 is
where I is the net current enclosed by the

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closed circuit. The closed curve is called Application of Ampere's law to a straight
Amperean loop which is a geometrical conductor. Fig. 4.46 shows a circular loop
entity and not a real wire loop. of radius r around an infinitely long straight
wire carrying current I. As the field
Proof for a straight current carrying
conductor. Consider an infinitely long lines are circular, the field ⃗ at any point of
straight conductor carrying a current I. the circular loop is directed along the
From Biot-Savart law, the magnitude of the tangent to the
magnetic field ⃗ due to the current carrying
conductor at a point, distant r from it is
given by

⃗⃗⃗

Fig. 4.46
circle at that point. By symmetry, the
magnitude of field ⃗ is same at every point
of the circular loop. Therefore,
⃗ ⃗⃗⃗
Fig. 4.45 Ampere's circuital law.
From Ampere's circuital law,
As shown in Fig. 4.45, the field B is
directed along the circumference of the B.2 = μQI
circle of radius r with the wire as centre.
∴
The magnitude of the field ⃗ is same for all
points on the circle. To evaluate the line For Your Knowledge
integral of the magnetic field ⃗ along the
 Ampere's circuital law is not
circle, we consider a small current element
independent of the Biot- Savart law.
⃗⃗⃗ along the circle. At every point on the
It can be derived from the
circle, both ⃗ and ⃗⃗⃗ are tangential to the Biot-Savart law. Its relationship to
circle so that the angle between them is the Biot-Savart law is similar to the
zero. relationship between Gauss's law
⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ and Coulomb's law.
∴ ⃗  Both Ampere's circuital law and
Hence the line integral of the magnetic Biot-Savart law relate magnetic field
field along the circular path is to the electric current.
 Ampere's and Gauss's laws relate
⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ one physical quantity (magnetic or
electric quantity) on the boundary or
periphery to another physical
quantity (current or charge), called
source, in the interior.
∴ ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗
 Ampere's circuital law holds for
This proves Ampere's law. This law is steady currents which do not
valid for any assembly of current and for change with time.
any arbitrary closed loop.  Although both Ampere's law and
Biot-Savart law are equivalent in
9. (b) Calculate, using Ampere's physical content, yet the Ampere's
circuital theorem, the magnetic field due to law is more useful under certain
an infinitely long wire carrying a current I. symmetrical situations. The

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

mathematics of finding the magnetic marked . Thus the field at interior

field of a solenoid and toroid midpoint P is uniform and strong. The field
becomes much simpler if we apply at the exterior midpoint Q is weak and is
Ampere's law. along the axis of the solenoid with no
perpendicular component. Fig. 4.48 shows
4.9 MAGNETIC FIELD INSIDE A
the field pattern of a solenoid of finite
STRAIGHT SOLENOID
length.
10. Give a qualitative discussion of
the magnetic field produced by a straight
solenoid. Apply Ampere's circuital law to
calculate magnetic field inside a straight
solenoid.
Magnetic field of a straight solenoid : A
qualitative discussion. A solenoid means
an insulated copper wire wound closely in
the form of a helix. The word solenoid
comes from a Greek word meaning
channel and was first used by Ampere. By
a long solenoid, we mean that the length of
the solenoid is very large as compared to Fig 4.48 Magnetic field of a finite
its diameter. solenoid.
The polarity of any end of the solenoid
can be determined by using clock rule or
Ampere's right hand rule.
Ampere's right hand rule. Grasp the
solenoid with the right hand so that the
fingers point along the direction of the
current, the extended thumb will then
indicate the face of the solenoid that has
north polarity (Fig. 4.49).

Fig 4.47 Magnetic field due to a section

of a finite solenoid.
Figure 4.47 shows an enlarged view of the
magnetic field due to a section of a
solenoid. At various turns of the solenoid,
current enters the plane of paper at points
marked and leaves the plane of paper at Fig. 4.49 Ampere's rule for polarity of a
points marked . The magnetic field at solenoid.
points close to a single turn of the solenoid
is in the form of concentric circles like that Calculation of magnetic field inside a
of a straight current carrying wire. The long straight solenoid. The magnetic field
resultant field of the solenoid is the vector inside a closely wound long solenoid is
sum of the fields due to all the turns of the uniform everywhere and zero outside
solenoid. Obviously the fields due to the
neighbouring turns add up along the axis of
the solenoid but they cancel out in the
perpendicular direction. At outside points
such as Q, the fields of the points marked
tend to cancel out the fields of the points

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threads the loop abed, nl times.

∴ Total current threading the loop abed =
nil
Hence or
It can be easily shown that the
magnetic field at the end of the solenoid is
just one half of that at its middle. Thus
end
Fig. 4.50 The magnetic field of a very
long solenoid. Figure 4.51 shows the variation of
magnetic field on the axis of a long straight
it. Fig. 4.50 shows the sectional view of a solenoid with distance x from its centre.
long solenoid. At various turns of the
solenoid, current comes out of the plane of
paper at points marked and enters the
plane of paper at points marked . To
determine the magnetic field ⃗ at any
inside point, consider a rectangular closed
path abed as the Amperean loop.
According to Ampere's circuital law,
⃗ ⃗⃗⃗
Fig. 4.51 Variation of magnetic field
= μ0 ×Total current through the loop abed b along the axis of solenoid.
Now ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ 4.10 MAGNETIC FIELD DUE TO A
TOROIDAL SOLENOID
∫ ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ ∫ ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ ∫ ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ 11. Apply Ampere's circuital law to find
the magnetic field both inside and outside
But ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ of a toroidal solenoid.
Magnetic field due to a toroidal
∫ ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ ∫ solenoid. A solenoid bent into the form of a
closed ring is called a toroidal solenoid.
Alternatively, it is an anchor ring (torous)
∫ ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ around which a large number of turns of a
metallic wire are wound, as shown in Fig.
as B = 0 for points outside the solenoid. 4.52. We shall see that the magnetic field B
has a constant magnitude everywhere
⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ ∫ ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ inside the toroid while it is zero in the open
space interior (point P) and exterior (point
Q) to the toroid.
∫ ∫

where,
l = length of the side ab of the rectangular
loop abed.
Let number of turns per unit length of
the solenoid = n
Then number of turns in length l of the
solenoid = nl
Thus the current I of the solenoid Fig. 4.52 A toroidal solenoid.

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Figure 4.53 shows a sectional view of

the toroidal solenoid. The direction of the
magnetic field inside is clockwise as per If r be the average radius of the toroid
the right-hand thumb rule for circular loops. and n the number of turns per unit length,
Three circular Amperean loops are shown then
by
N = 2 πrn

3. For points in the open space

exterior to the toroid. Each turn of the toroid
passes twice through the area enclosed by
the Amperean loop 3. But for each turn, the
current coming out of the plane of paper is
cancelled by the current going into the
plane of paper. Thus, I =0 and hence
=0.

Fig. 4.53 A sectional view of the toroidal For Your Knowledge

solenoid.  The magnetic field inside a toroidal
solenoid is independent of its radius
dashed lines. By symmetry, the magnetic and depends only on the current
field should be tangential to them and
and the number of turns per unit
constant in magnitude for each of the
loops. length. The field inside the toroid
has constant magnitude and
1. For points in the open space
tangential direction at every point.
interior to the toroid. Let B1 be the
magnitude of the magnetic field along the  In ideal toroid, the coils are circular
Amperean loop 1 of radius r1 and magnetic field is zero external
to the toroid. In a real toroid, the
Length of the loop 1,
turns form a helix and there is a
As the loop encloses no current, so I = small magnetic field external to the
0
toroid.
Applying Ampere's circuital law,  Toroids are expected to play a key
role in the Tokamak which acts as a
magnetic container for the fusion of
Or plasma in fusion (thermonuclear)
power reactors.
or =0
Thus the magnetic field at any point P Examples based on
in the open space interior to the toroid is Formulae Used
zero.
1. Ampere's circuital law, ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗
2. For points inside the toroid. Let B be
the magnitude of the magnetic field When B is directed along tangent to every
along the Amperean loop 2 of radius r. point on closed curve L,
Length of loop 2 , = 2 nr 2. Magnetic field due to straight solenoid,
If N is the total number of turns in the (i) At a point well inside the solenoid, B = μ
toroid and I the current in the toroid, then 0 nl
total current enclosed by the loop 2 = NI (ii) At either end of the solenoid, Bend =
Applying Ampere's circuital law,

Here n is the number of turns per unit

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length. wind a 400 turn solenoid of radius 1.0

cm and length 20 cm. Find the emf
3. Magnetic field inside a toroidal
of a battery which when connected across
solenoid,
the solenoid would produce a magnetic
4. Magnetic field is zero outside the
field of 10-2 T near the centre of the
toroid.
solenoid.
Units Used
Solution. Length of wire used = r× No. of
B is in tesla, current I in ampere and nin turns
m-1.
= × 1.0 × 10-2 × 400 m
Example 27. A solenoid coil of 300 turns/m
Resistance per unit length = 0.01 Ω m-1
is carrying a current of 5 A. The length of
the solenoid is 0.5 m and has a radius of 1 Total resistance of wire,
cm. Find the magnitude of the magnetic
R= × 1.0 ×10-2 × 400×0.01 = × 10-2 Ω
field inside the solenoid.
No. of turns per unit length,
[CBSE F 04]
Solution. Here n =300 tums/m, 1 = 5 A m
-7
∴ B = μQnI = × 10 × 300 × 5 = 1.9 ×
As
10-3 T.
Example 28. A solenoid of length 0.5 m has V
a radius of 1 cm and is made up of 500
turns. It carries a current of 5 A. What is the
Example 31. A solenoid 50 cm long has 4
magnitude of the magnetic field inside the
layers of windings of350 turns each. The
solenoid?
radius of the lowest layer is 1.4 cm. If the
[NCERT] current carried is 6.0 A, estimate the
Solution. Number of turns per unit length, magnitude of ⃗ (a) near the centre of the
solenoid on its axis and off its axis, (b) near
turns m its ends on its axis, (c) outside the solenoid
m near its centre.
Here I = 0.5 m and r = 0.01 m i.e., I » a. Solution, (a) The magnitude of the
So we can use formula for magnetic field magnetic field at or near the centre of the
inside a long solenoid. solenoid is given by B = μ0 n I
× 10-7 × 1000 × 5 = 6.28 × where n is the number of turns per unit
-3
10 T. length. This expression for B can also be
used if the solenoid has more than one
Example 29. A 0.5 m long solenoid has 500 layer of windings because the radius of the
turns and has a flux density of 2.52 × 10-3 T wire does not enter this equation.
at its centre. Find the current in the Therefore,
solenoid. Given Hm .
[
ISCE 95] No. of turns per layer No. of layers
Length of the solenoid
Solution. Number of turns per unit length,
m
turns m
m
As
Now Tm
∴ m
Example 30. A copper wire having a ∴
resistance of 0.01 Ω per metre is used to

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This value of B is for both on and off the

axis, since for an infinitely long solenoid,
the internal field near the centre is uniform
over the entire cross-section.
(b) Magnetic field at the ends of the
solenoid is

end
T

(c) The outside field near the centre of Fig. 4.54 A steady current I distributed
a long solenoid is negligible compared to uniformly across a wire of radius α.
the internal field.
Solution, (i) Application of Ampere's
Example 32. A coil wrapped around a law to a long straight cylindrical wire.
toroid has inner radius of 20.0 cm and an By symmetry, the magnetic lines of force
outer radius of 25.0 cm. If the wire will be circles, with their centres on the axis
wrapping makes 800 turns and carries a of the cylinder and in planes perpendicular
current of 12.0 A, what are the maximum to the axis of the cylinder. So we consider
and minimum values of the magnetic field Amperean loop as a circle of radius r.
within the toroid?
Field at outside points. The Amperean
Solution. Let a and b denote the inner loop is a circle labelled 2 having radius r >
and outer radii of the toroid. Then a.
Length of the loop, L = 2
Net current enclosed by the loop = I
By Ampere's circuital law,
T mT BL=μo I
or
or
[For r>α]
T mT i.e., [For
Example 33. (i) A straight thick long wire of outside points]
uniform cross- section of radius 'a' is Field at inside points. The Amperean
carrying a steady current I. Use Ampere's loop is a circle labelled 1 with r < a.
circuital law to obtain a relation showing
the variation of the magnetic field (B) inside Length of the loop, L = 2
and outside the wire zvith distance r, (r < a) Clearly, the current enclosed by loop 1
and (r > a) of the field point from the centre is less than I. As the current distribution is
of its cross-section. Plot a graph showing uniform, the fraction of I enclosed is
the variation of field B with distance r.
(ii) Calculate the ratio of magnetic field
at a point a/2 above the surface of the wire
to that at a point a/2 below its surface.
What is the maximum value of the field of Applying Ampere's law,
this wire?
[NCERT ; CBSE D 10 ; OD 16C]

or ( )

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[For r< a] We use the results of the above example.

i.e., B r [For inside (i) inside
points]
Thus the field B is proportional to r as
we move from the axis of the cylinder
towards its surface and then it decreases = 8.0 × 10-4 T.
as . The variation of B with distance r from
the centre of the wire is shown in Fig. (ii) SURF CE

4.55(a). = 4.0 × 10-3 T.

(iii) Here r = 0.5 + 0.2 = 0.7 cm = 0.7 × 10-2
m

outside

= 2.86 × 10-5 T.
Problems For Practice
Fig. 4.55 (a) Sketch of the magnitude of 1. A long solenoid consists of 20 turns per
the magnetic field for the long cm. What current is necessary to
conductor of radius a. produce a magnetic field of 20 mT
inside the solenoid? (Ans. 8.0 A)
(ii) Suppose the point P lies at distance
a 12 above the surface of the wire and 2. A long solenoid is made by closely
point Q lies at distance a / 2 below the winding a wire of radius 0.5 mm over a
surface. [Fig. 4.55(b)] cylindrical non-magnetic frame so that
successive turns nearly touch each
Magnetic field at point P at distance r other. What will be the magnetic field at
=3α/2 from the axis of the wire is the centre of the solenoid if a current of
5 A flows through it?
(Ans. 2 × 10-3 T)
Magnetic field at point Q at distance r = 3. The magnetic field at the centre of a 50
α / 2 from the axis of the wire is cm long solenoid is 4.0 × 10-2 T when a
current of 8.0 A flows through it. What
is the number of turns in the solenoid?
Take = 3.14 (Ans. 1990)
4. A solenoid is 1.0 m long and 3.0 cm in
diameter. It has five layers of windings
Clearly, B is maximum on the surface of 850 turns each and carries a current
of the wire i.e., at r = α. Hence, of 5.0 A. (i) What is B at its centre? (ii)
What is the magnetic flux Φg for a
cross-section of the solenoid at the
centre?
Example 34. A wire of radius 0.5 cm carries
a current of 100 A, which is uniformly [Ans. (0 2.67 × 10-2 T, (ii) 1.9 × 10-5 Wb]
distributed over its cross-section. Find the 5. A solenoid is 2.0 m long and 3.0 cm in
magnetic field (i) at 0.1 cm from the axis of diameter. It has 5 layers of winding of
the wire, (ii) at the surface of the wire and 1000 turns each and carries a current
(iii) at a point outside the wire 0.2 cm from of 5.0 A. What is the magnetic field at
the surface of the wire. the centre? Use the standard value of
Solution. Here R =0.5 cm =0.5 × 10-2 m, I μ0. [Punjab 97C1
=100 A (Ans. 1.57 ×10-2 T)

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6. A toroid has a core of inner radius 20 6. Mean radius of toroid,

cm and outer radius 22 cm around
which 4200 turns of a wire are wound. If cm m
the current in the wire is 10 A, what is
the magnetic field (i) inside the core of Number of turns per unit length
toroid (ii) outside the toroid and (iii) in
the empty space surrounded by the m
toroid. [Ans. (i) 0.04 T (ii) Zero (iii)
Zero] (i) Field inside the core of the toroid,
7. A long straight solid conductor of radius
4 cm carries a current of 2 A, which is
uniformly distributed over its circular T
cross-section. Find the magnetic field (ii) Magnetic field outside the toroid is
at a distance of 3 cm from the axis of zero.
the conductor. (Ans. 7.5 × 10-6 T)
(iii) Magnetic field in the empty space
HINTS surrounded by toroid is zero.
1. Here n = 20 cm-1 = 20 × 102 m-1, 7. Current enclosed by the loop of radius
B = 20 mT = 20 × 10 T -3 r,

Current,

2. Diameter of the wire = 2 × 0.5 = 1.0 mm Using Ampere's circuital law,

= 10-3 m
∴ Number of turns per unit length,
or
m
m
Also, Tm T

4.11 FORCE ON A MOVING CHARGE

T IN A MAGNETIC FIELD
3. 12. State the factors on which the force
acting on a charge moving in a magnetic
field depends. Write the expression for this
force. When is this force minimum and
maximum? Define magnetic field. Also
4. Number of turns per unit length,
define the SI unit of magnetic field.
m Magnetic force on a moving charge.
The electric charges moving in a magnetic
(i) field experience a force, while there is no
T such force on static charges. This fact was
first recognized by Hendrik Antoon
(ii)
Lorentz, a great Dutch physicist, nearly a
= 2.67 × 1(T2 × 3.14 × (1.5 × 10-2)2 century ago.
= 1.9 ×10-5 Wb. Suppose a positive charge q moves
5. Number of turns per unit length, with velocity in a magnetic field ⃗ and
makes an angle θ with ⃗ , as shown in Fig.
m 4.56. It is found from experiments that the
charge q moving in the magnetic field B
experiences a force such that
T

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1. the force is proportional to the Case 2. If θ =0° or 180°, then F =0

magnitude of the magnetic field, i.e., F
Thus a charged particle moving parallel
B
or antiparallel to a magnetic field does not
2. the force is proportional to the charge experience any force in the magnetic field.
q, i.e., F q
Case 3. If θ = 90°, then F - qvB sin 90° =
3. the force is proportional to the qvB
component of the velocity v in the
Thus a charged particle experiences
perpendicular direction of the field B,
the maximum force when it moves
i.e.,
perpendicular to the magnetic field.
F v sin θ
Rules for finding the direction of force on a
charged particle moving perpendicular to a
magnetic field. The direction of magnetic
Lorentz force can be determined by
using either of the following two rules :
1. Fleming's left hand rule. Stretch the
thumb and the first two fingers of the
left hand mutually perpendicular to
each other. If the forefinger points in
the direction of the magnetic field,
central finger in the direction of current,
Fig. 4.56 Magnetic Lorentz force. then the thumb gives the direction of
Combining the above factors, we get the force on the charged particle. (Fig.
4.57)
F Bqv sin θ or
F = kqvB sin θ
The unit of magnetic field is so defined
that the proportionality constant k becomes
unity in the above equation. Thus
F = qvB sin θ
This force deflects the charged particle
sideways and is called magnetic Lorentz
force. As the direction of is perpendicular
Fig. 4.57 Fleming's left hand rule.
to both and ⃗ , so we can express in
terms of the vector product of and ⃗ as 2. Right hand (palm) rule. Open the right
hand and place it so that tips of the
⃗ fingers point in the direction of the field
Figure 4.56 shows the relationship ⃗ and thumb in the direction of velocity
among the direc- tions of vectors , and of the positive charge, then the palm
⃗ . Vectors v and B lie in the XY-plane. The faces towards the force , as shown in
Fig. 4.58.
direction of is perpendicular to this plane
and points along + Z-axis i.e., acts in the
direction of ⃗.
Special Cases
Case 1. If v = 0, then F = 0
Thus a stationary charged particle does
not experience any force in a magnetic
field.

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Field near a bar magnet T

Field on the earth's surface T

Field in interstellar space T

Dimensions of magnetic field. Clearly,

LT
T LT

Fig. 4.58 Right hand palm rule.

Here A represents current.
Definition of magnetic field. We know
that 4.12 LORENTZ FORCE
13. What is Lorentz force? Write an
expression for it.
Lorentz force. The total force
If q -1, v=l, θ = 90°, sin90° = 1, then B=F
experienced by a charged particle moving
Thus the magnetic field at a point may in a region where both electric and
be defined as the force acting on a unit magnetic fields are present, is called
charge moving with a unit velocity at right Lorentz force.
angles to the direction of the field.
A charge q in an electric field ⃗
SI unit of magnetic field. Again, we use experiences the electric force,
⃗⃗⃗ ⃗

This force acts in the direction of field ⃗

If N C ms , and is independent of the velocity of the
then 1 N charge.
N
∴SI unit of C ms The magnetic force experienced by the
N
charge q moving with velocity in the
m
Cs magnetic field B is given by
N m tesla. ⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗
Thus the SI unit of magnetic field is This force acts perpendicular to the
tesla (T). plane of and ⃗ and depends on the
One tesla is that magnetic field in which a velocity v of the charge.
charge of 1 C moving with a velocity of 1 The total force, or the Lorentz force,
ms-1 at right angles to the field experiences experienced by the charge q due to both
a force of one newton. electric and magnetic field is given by
A field of one tesla is a very strong
magnetic field. Very often the magnetic
fields are expressed in terms of a smaller ⃗ ⃗
unit, called the gauss (G). For Your Knowledge
-4
1 gauss =10 tesla  A static charge is a source of
Table 4.1 Some Typical Magnetic Fields electric field only while a moving
charge is source of both electric and
Surface of a neutron star T magnetic fields.
 A moving charge produces a
Large field in the laboratory T magnetic field which, in turn, exerts

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a force on another moving charge. magnitude 1.0 T exists in the direction

 A stationary source does not south to north. Find that magnetic force
produce any magnetic field to that acts on the particle.
interact with an external magnetic
Solution. Charge on α-particle,
field. Hence no force is exerted on
stationary charge in a magnetic q = + 2e -2 × 1.6 × 10-19C
field. Here v =3 × 104 km s-1 =3 × 107 ms-1, B
 An electric charge always = 1.0 T, θ =90°.
experiences a force in an electric
field, whether the charge is
stationary or in motion.
 A charge moving parallel or
antiparallel to the direction of the
magnetic field does not experience
any magnetic Lorentz force.
 If in a field, the force experienced by
a moving charge depends on the Fig. 4.59
strength of the field and not on the
velocity of the charge, then the field agnetic force on the α-particle is F = qvB
must be an electric field. sin θ
 If in a field, the force experienced by = 2 × 1.6 × 10-19 × 3 × 107 × 1.0 × sin 90°
a moving charge depends not only
on the strength of the field but also = 9.6 × 10-12 N
on the velocity of the charge, then According to Fleming's left hand rule,
the field must be a magnetic field. the magnetic force on the α-particle acts
Examples Based on towards west.
Force moving charges in a magnetic field Example 37. An electron is moving
northwards with a velocity of 3.0 × 107ms-1
Formulae Used in a uniform magnetic field of 10 T directed
Force on a charge q moving with velocity v eastwards. Find the magnitude and the
in a magnetic field at an angle θ with it is direction of the force on the electron.
F = qvB sin θ Solution. q= e = 1.6 × 10-19C, v =3.0 ×
10 ms-1,
7
The direction of the force is given by
Fleming's left hand rule. B = 10 T, θ =90°.
Units Used
Force F is in newton, charge q in coulomb,
velocity v in ms-1 and B in tesla.
Example 35. proton enters α magnetic
field of flux density 2.5 T with a velocity of
1.5 × 107ms-1 at an angle of 30° with the
field. Find the force on the proton.
Fig. 4.60
-19
Solution. Here q = e = 1.6 × 10 C,
The magnitude of magnetic force on the
u =1.5 × 10 7
ms-1, B=2.5X θ =30° electron is F = qvB sin θ
Force, F = qvB sin θ = 1.6 × 10-19 × 3 × 107 × 10 × sin 90°
= 1.6 × 10-19 × 1.5 × 107 × 2.5 × sin 30° = 4.8 × 10-11 N
= 3 × 10-12 N. As the electron moves northwards,
direction of current is eastwards. According
Example 36. An alpha particle is projected
to Fleming's left hand rule, the magnetic
vertically upward with a speed of 3 × 104
force on the electron acts vertically
kms-1 in a region where a magnetic field of

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upwards.
Example 38. A positive charge of 1.5 μC is
moving with a speed of 2 × 106 ms-1 along
the positive X-axis. A magnetic field,
⃗ ̂ ̂ tesla acts in space. Find
the magnetic force acting on the charge.
Solution. Here q = 1.5 μC =1.5 × 10-6
C,
̂ms ⃗ ̂ ̂ T
Solution. Magnetic field at point P due
Magnetic force on the positive charge is to the current in wire AB,
⃗
̂ ̂ ̂ T
̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ This field acts on the proton normally
̂ ̂ N ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ into the plane of paper. According to
Fleming's left hand rule, a magnetic force
Example 39. A 5.0 MeV proton is falling acts on the proton towards right in the
vertically downward through a region of plane of paper. The magnitude of this force
magnetic field 1.5 T acting horizontally is
from south to north. Find the magnitude
and the direction of the magnetic force F = qvB sin 90°
exerted on the proton. Take mass of the = 1.6 × 10-19 × 4 × 106 × 4 × 10-6 × 1
proton as 1.6 × 10-27 kg.
= 2.56 × 10-18 N.
Solution. Kinetic energy of the proton is
Example 41. Copper has 8.0 × 1028
electrons per cubic metre. A copper wire of
eV J
length 1 m and cross-sectional area 8.0
× 10-6 m2 carrying a current and
J lying at right angle to a magnetic field of
strength 5 × 10-3 T experiences a force of
or 8.0 × 10 N. Calculate the drift velocity of
free electrons in the wire.
ms Solution, n =8 × 1028m-3, l =1 m
Force on the proton is A = 8 × 10-6m2, e = 1.6 × 10-19 C
F = qv B sin 90° Total charge contained in the wire,
-19 7
= 1.6 × 10 × 3.16 ×10 × 1.5 × q = Volume of wire × ne= Alne
= 7.58 × 10-12 N = 8× 10-6 × 1 × 8 × 1028 × 1.6 × 10-19 C
According to Fleming's left hand rule, = 102.4 × 103 C
the magnetic force on the proton acts
eastwards. If vd is the drift speed of electrons, then
Example 40. A long straight wire AB carries F = qvd B sin 90° -qvd B
a current of 4 A. A proton P travels at 4 ×
106 ml s, parallel to the wire, 0.2 m from it ms
and in a direction opposite to the current as
shown in Fig. 4.61. Calculate the force = 1.56 × 10-4ms-1.
which the magnetic field of current exerts
Problems For Practice
on the proton. Also specify the direction of
the force. 1. An electron moving with a velocity of
5.0 × 10' ms-1 enters a magnetic field of
[CBSE OD 02]

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1.0 Wb m-2 at an angle of 30°. Calculate = 1.6 × 10-19 × 5.0 × 107 × 1.0 × sin 30°
the force on the electron.
= 4.0 ×10-12 N.
(Ans. 4.0 × 10-12N)
2. (i) Here m = 6.65 × 1027 kg,
-27
2. n α-particle of mass 6.65 × 10 kg
q = + 2e = 2×1.6× 10-16C, B = 0.2 T,
and charge twice that of an electron but
of positive sign travels at right angles to v= 6×105 ms-1, 0 = 90°
a magnetic field with a speed of 6 × 10 5 F = qvB sin 90°
ms-1. The strength of the magnetic field
is 0.2 T. (i) Calculate the force on the = 2 x 1.6 x 10-19 × 6 x 105 × 0.2 × 1N
α-particle. (ii) Also calculate its = 3.84 ×10-14 N
acceleration.
[Ans. (0 3.84 × 10-14 N (ii) 5.77 × 1012 ms-2] ms
3. An electron is moving northwards with
3. F = qvB sin 90° = 1.6 × 10-19 × 107 × 3 ×
a velocity of 107 ms-1 in a magnetic field
1
of 3 T, directed downwards. Calculate
the instantaneous force on the = 4.8 ×10-12 N
electron. According to Fleming's left hand rule, the
(Ans. 4.8 × 10-12 N, vertically upwards) force acts vertically upwards.
4. A solenoid, of length 1.5 m, has a 4. T T
radius of 1.5 cm and has a total of 1500
turns wound on it. It carries a current of Force, F = evB sin 0° = 0.
3 A. Calculate the magnitude of the
5. Magnetic field of the straight wire
axial magnetic field inside the solenoid.
carrying a current of 2 A, at a distance
If an electron were to move with a
of 10 cm or 0.1 m from it is
speed of 2 × 104 ms-1 along the axis of
this current carrying solenoid, what
would be the force experienced by this T
electron ?
This field acts perpendicular to the
[CBSE D 08C] (Ans. 0.38 T, 0) direction of the electron. So magnetic force
5. An electron is moving at 106 ms-1 in a on the electron is F = qv Bsin 90°
direction parallel to a current of 5 A, = 1.6 × 10-19 × 106 × 10-5 × 1 = 1.6 ×10-18 N.
flowing through an infinitely long
6. Proceed as in Example 39, on page
straight wire, separated by a
4.31.
perpendicular distance of 10 cm in air.
Calculate the magnitude of the force 4.13 WORK DONE BY A MAGNETIC
experienced by the electron. FORCE ON A CHARGED PARTICLE
IS ZERO
[CBSE D 99] (Ans. 1.6 × 10-18 N)
14. Show that the work done by a magnetic
6. A proton of energy 3.4 MeV moves
field on a moving charged particle is
vertically downwards through a
always zero.
horizontal magnetic field of 3 T which
acts from south to north. What is the Work done by a magnetic force on a
force on the proton? Mass of proton is charged particle. The magnetic force
1.7 × 10-27 kg; charge on proton is 1.6 × ⃗ always acts perpendicular to
10-19 C. (Ans. 12.15 × 10-12 N) the velocity or the direction of motion of
HINTS charge q. Therefore,
1. q = e = 1.6 × 10-19 C, v - 5.0 × 10 7 ms-1 ⃗
B = 1.0 Wb m-2, θ = 30° According to Newton's second law,
Force, F = qvB sin θ

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on a particle perpendicular to its velocity, it

does not do any work on the particle. It
⃗
does not change the kinetic energy or
∴ speed of the particle.

Or *
⃗ ⃗
+ Figure 4.62 shows a magnetic field ⃗
directed normally into the plane of paper,
Or as shown by small crosses. A charge + q is
projected with a speed v in the plane of the
Or paper. The velocity is perpendicular to the

Or K = constant
Thus a magnetic force does not change
the kinetic energy of the charged particle.
This indicates that the speed of the particle
does not change. According to the
work-energy theorem, the change in kinetic
energy is equal to the work done on the
particle by the net force. Hence the work
done on the charged particle by the
magnetic force is zero.
Fig. 4.62 A positively charged particle
4.14 MOTION OF A CHARGED moving in a magnetic field directed into the
PARTICLE IN A UNIFORM plane of paper.
MAGNETIC FIELD
magnetic field. A force F = qvB acts on the
15. Discuss the motion of a charged particle perpendicular to both and ⃗ . This
particle in a uniform magnetic field with force continuously deflects the particle
initial velocity (i) parallel to the field, (ii) sideways without changing its speed and
perpendicular to the magnetic field and (iii) the particle will move along a circle
at an arbitrary angle with the field direction. perpendicular to the field. Thus the
Motion of a charged particle in a magnetic force provides the centripetal
uniform magnetic field. When a charged force. Let r be the radius of the circular
particle having charge q and velocity path. Now
enters a magnetic field B, it experiences a
Centripetal force, = Magnetic force,
force
qvB
⃗
The direction of this force is
perpendicular to both and ⃗ . The Thus the radius of the circular orbit is
magnitude of this force is F = qv B sin θ inversely proportional to the specific
Following three cases are possible : charge (charge to mass ratio q / m) and to
the magnetic field.
1. When the initial velocity is parallel to
the magnetic field. Here θ =0°, so F = qvB Period of revolution =
sin 0° =0.
Thus the parallel magnetic field does
not exert any force on the moving charged
particle. The charged particle will continue Clearly, the time period is independent
to move along the line of force. of v and r. If the particle moves faster, the
2. When the initial velocity is radius is larger, it has to move along a
perpendicular to the magnetic field. Here θ larger circle so that the time taken is the
= 90°, so F = qvB sin 90° = qvB = a same.
maximum force. As the magnetic force acts The frequency of revolution is

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Thus a charged particle moving in a

uniform magnetic field has two concurrent
This frequency is called cyclotron motions : a linear motion in the direction of
frequency. ⃗ (along X-axis) and a circular motion in a
plane perpendicular to B (in YZ-plane).
3. When the initial velocity makes an Hence the resultant path of the charged
arbitrary angle with the field direction. A particle will be a helix, with its axis along
uniform magnetic field B is set up along the direction of ⃗ .
+ve X-axis. A particle of charge q and mass
m enters the field ⃗ with velocity inclined The linear distance travelled by the
at angle θ with the direction of the field ⃗ , charged particle in the direction of the
as shown in Fig. 4.63. magnetic field during its period of
revolution is called pitch of the helical path.

pitch

4.15 MOTION OF A CHARGE IN

PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC AND
ELECTRIC FIELDS
16. Electric and magnetic fields are
Fig. 4.63 Helical motion of charged applied mutually perpendicular to each
particle in a magnetic field. other. Show that a charged particle will
follow a straight line path perpendicular to
The velocity can be resolved into two
both of these fields, if its velocity is ⃗ Bin
rectangular components :
magnitude.
1. The component along the
Velocity selector. Suppose a beam of
direction of the field i.e., along X-axis.
charged particles, say electrons,
Clearly
possessing a range of speeds passes
through a slit S1 and then enters a region in
which crossed (perpendicular) electric and
The parallel component remains magnetic fields exist. As shown in Fig.
unaffected by the magnetic field and so the
charged particle continues to move along 4.64, the electric field ⃗ acts in the
the field with a speed of v cos θ. downward direction and deflects the
electrons in the upward direction. The
2. The component perpendicular magnetic field ⃗ acts normally into the
to the direction of the field i.e., in the plane of paper and deflects the electrons in
YZ-plane. Clearly the downward direction.

Due to this component of velocity, the

charged particle experiences a force F =
qv± B which acts perpendicular to both v±
and B. This force makes the particle move
along a circular path in the YZ-plane. The
radius of the circular path is

The period of revolution is Fig. 4.64 Motion of an electron in a

region of crossed magnetic and electric
fields.

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Only those electrons will pass undeflected enters a region of uniform magnetic field of
through the slit S2 on which the electric and 10-5 T acting vertically downward as shown
magnetic forces are equal and opposite. in Fig. 4.65(a). Draw its trajectory and find
The velocity v of the undeflected electrons out the time it takes to come out of the
is given by region of magnetic field.
[CBSE F 15]
or

Such an arrangement can be used to

select charged particles of a particular
velocity out of a beam in which the particles
are moving with different speeds. This
arrangement is called velocity selector or
velocity filter. This method was used by J.J. Fig. 4.65 (a)
Thomson to determine the charge to mass
ratio (e / m) of an electron. Solution. The electron moves along
semicircular trajectory inside the magnetic
Examples based on field and comes out, as shown in Fig.
Motion of charges in electric and magnetic 4.65(b). Radius r of the path is given by
fields
Formulae Used
1. Electric force on a charge, Fe = qE
m
2. Magnetic force on a charge, Fm=qvB
sin θ
m m
3. In a perpendicular magnetic field, the
charge follows a circular path.

or

and

4. When v makes angle θ with B, the Fig. 4.65 (b)

charge follows helical path. Time taken to come out of the region of
magnetic field,

s
Pitch of helix,
s s
Example 43. An electron travels in a
5. K.E. gained by an electron when circular path of radius 20 cm in a magnetic
accelerated through a potential field 2 × 10-3 T. (i) Calculate the speed of
difference V, the electron, (ii) What is the potential
difference through which the electron must
√ be accelerated to acquire this speed ?
Solution. Here r =20 cm =20 × 10-2m,
Units Used B = 2 × 10-3 T, o = 1.6 × 10-19 Q m =
E is in Vm-1 or NC-1, B in tesla, v in ms-1, r in 9.1× 10-31 kg
metre. (i) Magnetic force on the electron =
Example 42. An electron moving Centripetal force on electron
horizontally with a velocity of 4 ×104m/s

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A beam of proton passes undeflected

with a horizontal velocity v, through a
region of electric and magnetic fields,
∴ mutually perpendicular to each other and
normal to the direction of the beam. If the
magnitudes of the electric and magnetic
fields are 100 kV/m and 50 mT
= 7.0 × 107 ms-1. respectively, calculate : (i) velocity v of the
beam, (ii) force with which it strikes a target
(ii) If V is the p.d. required to give
on a screen, if the proton beam current is
speed v to the electron, then
equal to 0.80 mA.
[CBSE OD 08]
Solution: ⃗ ̂ ̂

̂ ̂ ̂
3
= 13.9 × 10 V -14 kV. Thus the force F acts on the charge q
Example 44. An electron after being along the +ve x-direction.
accelerated through a potential difference (i) For undeflected proton beam,
of 104 V enters a uniform magnetic field of
0.04 T perpendicular to its direction of qvB - qE
motion. Calculate the radius of curvature of kVm Vm
its trajectory.
mT T
[CBSE F 17] = 2 × 106 ms-1.
4
Solution. Here V = 10 V, B = 0.04 T, (ii) Current carried by proton beam,
-19 -31
e = 1.6 × 10 C m = 9.1 × 10 kg I =0.8 mA=8 × 10-4 A
An electron accelerated through a p.d. Number of protons striking the screen per
V acquires a velocity v given by second,

or
√ s

mp = 1.675 × 10-27kg
As the electron describes a circular
path of radius of r in the perpendicular Force with which a proton beam strikes
magnetic field B, therefore, a target on the screen,

= 1.675 × 10-27 × 5 × 1015 × 2 × 106 N

√
or √
= 1.675 × 10-5 N.
√ Example 46. An electron beam passes
through a magnetic field of 2 × 10-3 Wb m1
and an electric field of 3.4 × 10 4 Vm-1 both
acting simultaneously. If the path of the
electron remains undeviated, calculate the
m mm speed of the electrons. If the electric field is
removed, what will be the radius of the
Example 45. If a particle of charge q is circular path? Mass of an electron = 9.1 ×
moving with velocity v along the z-axis and 10-31 kg.
the magnetic field B is acting along the
⃗ to Solution. Here B = 2 × 10-3 Wb m-2,
x-axis, use the expression
find the direction of the force F acting on it. E = 3.4 × 104 Vm-1

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Magnetic force on the electron =

Electric force on the electron
or evB = eE = 0.22 ×108 Hz = 22 MHz.
∴ Velocity of electrons, (c) In successive collisions, electron
loses its speed progressively. If after
ms ms collision its velocity vector remains in the
same plane of the initial circular orbit, the
When electric field has been removed, radius of the circular orbit will decrease in
Force exerted by the magnetic field on proportion to the decreasing speed.
an electron = Centripetal force on an Otherwise, the path of the electron will be
electron helical between two collisions.
Example 48. A monoenergetic electron
i.e.,
beam of initial energy 18 keV moving
horizontally is subjected to a horizontal
or
magnetic field of 0.4 G normal to its initial
= 4.8 × 10-2 m = 4.8 cm. direction. Calculate the vertical deflection
of the beam over a distance of 30 cm.
Example 47. In a chamber a uniform
magnetic field of 8.0 G (1 G = 10-4 T) is
maintained. An electron with a speed of 4.0 [CBSE Sample Paper 98]
× 10 6 ms-1 enters the chamber in a Solution. Under the action of the
direction normal to the field. magnetic field, the electrons will move
(i) Describe the path of the electron. along a circular path.
(ii) What is the frequency of revolution of ∴ Centripetal force on an electron=
the electron? Magnetic force on an electron
(iii) What happens to the path of the
electron if it progressively loses its
energy due to collisions with the atoms √
or molecules of the environment? or
[NCERT] Here m = 9.11 × 10-31 kg, e = 1.6 × 10-19
Solution. (i) The path of the electron is C,
a circle of radius r given by B=0.40 G =0.40 × 10-4 T
K.E. mv2 = 18 keV = 18 × 1.6 × 10-16 J 2

Here B = 8.0 G = 8.0 × 10-4T, v = 4.0 × ∴

√
10 ms-1,
6

e = 1.6x10-19 C, m = 9.1x10-31 kg = 11.32 m

Thus the electron moves in a circle of
∴ radius 11.32 m, as shown in Fig. 4.66. As it
covers a distance PQ =30 cm, it goes down
= 2.8 × 10-2 m = 2.8 cm.
through a vertical distance
The sense of rotation of the electron in
its orbit can be ascertained from the
direction of the centripetal force
⃗ . Thus if we look along the
direction of ⃗ , the electron revolves
clockwise.
(b) The frequency of revolution of the
electron in its circular orbit is Fig. 4.66

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equal to PA. If θ is the angle subtended by

arc PQ at the centre O, then
= 43.5 ×10-3m = 4.35 cm.
PA - OP - OA -r-r cos θ = r (1 - cos θ)
Example 50. A proton projected in a
rc magnetic field of
Now Radius
rad 0.02 T travels along a helical path of radius
5.0 cm and pitch 20 cm. Find the
components of the velocity of the proton
along and perpendicular to the magnetic
∴ cos θ = cos 1.52 ° = 0.99965 field. Take the mass of the proton =1.6 ×
10-27 kg.
Hence PA = 11.32 (1 -0.99965)
= 3.9744 × 10-3 m - 4 mm. Solution. Radius of helical path,

Example 49. A beam of protons enters a ∴

uniform magnetic field of 0.3 T with a
velocity of 4 × 105 ms-1 at an angle of 60° to
the field. Find the radius of the helical path
taken by the beam. Also find the pitch of = 1.0 × 10s ms-1
the helix (distance travelled by a proton Period of revolution,
parallel to the magnetic field during one
period of rotation). Mass of proton is 1.67 × s
10-27 kg.
[IIT 86] itch
Solution. The components of the
ms
proton's velocity parallel and perpendicular
to the magnetic field are Problems For Practice
1. An electron entering a magnetic field of
ms
10-2 T with a velocity of 107 ms-1
describes a circle of radius 6 × 10-3 m.
√ Calculate dm of the electron.
ms (Ans. 1.67 × 1011 C kg-1)
The component makes the electron 2. An electron after being accelerated
move along the field B while vL makes the through a potential difference of 100 V
proton move along a circular path. Hence enters a uniform magnetic field of 0.004
the path of the proton is a helix. The radius T perpendicular to its direction of
r of the helix is given by motion. Calculate the radius of the path
described by the electron.
[CBSE OD 92]
(Ans. 8.4 mm)
3. particle having a charge of 100 μC
and a mass of 10 mg is projected in a
= 12 × 10-3 m =1.2 cm. uniform magnetic field of 25 mT with a
Period of revolution of the electron is speed of 10 ms-1 in a direction
perpendicular to the field. What will be
the period of revolution of the particle in
the magnetic field?
= 21.75 ×10-8s (Ans. 25 s)
Pitch of the helix is 4. An electron having a kinetic energy of
100 eV circulates in a path of radius 10

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cm in a magnetic field. Find the

magnetic field and the number of
revolutions made by the electron per
second.
(Ans. 3.4 × 10-4 T, 9.4 × 106 rps)
5. An electron beam passes through a
magnetic field of 2×10_3Wbm-2 and an
electric field of 1.0 × 104 V m-1, both
acting simultaneously. If the path of the
electrons remains undeviated,
calculate the speed of the electrons. If Fig. 4.67
the electric field is removed, what will dicular) electric and magnetic fields. The
be the radius of the circular path? electric field has magnitude 100Vrn-1. We
(Ans. 5 × 106 ms-1, 1.43 cm) want the particles emerging from slit into
6. An electron moving perpendicular to a region II to have a fixed velocity of 1000
uniform magnetic field completes a ms-1. What should be the value of the
circular orbit in 10-6 s. Calculate the uniform magnetic field in region I?
value of the magnetic field. Mass of (Ans. 0.1 T)
electron = 9 × 10-31 kg. (Ans. 3.5 ×
11. A proton, a deutron and an alpha
10-3 T)
particle, after being accelerated
7. Find the flux density of the magnetic through the same potential difference,
field to cause 62.5 eV electron to move enter a region of uniform magnetic field
in a circular path of radius 5 cm. Given ⃗ , in a direction perpendicular to ⃗ .
me = 9.1 × 10-31 kg and e - 1.6 × 10-19 C. Compare their kinetic energies. If the
(Ans. 5.335 ×10-4 T) radius of proton's circular path is 5 cm,
what will be the radii of the paths of
8. An electron of energy 2000 eV deutron and alpha particle?
describes a circular path in a magnetic
field of 0.2 T. What is the radius of (Ans. 1:1:2, rd = 7.07 cm, ra = 10 cm)
path? Take me = 9 × 10-31 kg, e = 1.6 × 12. A particle having a charge of 5.0 μC
10-19 C. and a mass of 5.0 × 10-12 kg is projected
(Ans. 0.75 mm) with a velocity of 1.0 km s-1 in a magnetic
field of magnitude 5.0 mT. The angle
9. What should be the minimum between the magnetic field and the velocity
magnitude and direction of the is sin-1 (0.90). Show that the path of the
magnetic field that must be produced at particle will be a helix. Find the diameter of
the equator of earth so that a proton the helix and its pitch. (Ans. 36 cm, 55 cm)
may go round the earth with a speed of
1.0 × 107ms-1? Earth's radius is 6.4 × HINTS
106 m. 1. Use
8
(Ans. 1.63 × 10~ T, perpendicular to the
equator in a horizontal direction) 2. Proceed as in Example 45 on page
4.36.
10. A stream of charged particles
possessing a range of speeds enters 3. s
region I after passing through a slit Sj
(Fig. 4.67). In region I there exist √
4. Use and
crossed (perpen-
5. As eE = evB

ms

When electric field is removed, electrons

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follow circular path.

√
√
∴
√
or ∴ For proton, cm
= 1.43 × 10-2m =1.43 cm. √
For deutron,
6. As
√
7. Here eV
J √ cm cm
-17
= 10 J
For -particle, √

√ √

= 2rp =10 cm.

√ ms
12. Here q = 5.0 μC = 5 × 10-6 C, m = 5 ×
10-12 kg,
v = 1.0 km s-1 = 103 ms-1, B = 5.0 mT = 5 ×
10-3 T
T.
s θ = sin-1 (0.90), so sin θ = 0.90
8. or √ √ √
√
√ ms
√

√ ms
Velocity component moves the electron
= 7.5 × 10-4 m = 0.75 mm. along the field and v∑ along circular path.
Hence the motion is helical.
9.
Diameter
T
10. For the particles to go undeflected, = 0.36 m = 36 cm.
Force due to electric field = Force due to
magnetic s

field Pitch
qE = qvB
= 0.55 m = 55 cm.
Vm
or ms
T 4.16 CYCLOTRON
11. For a given p.d., the kinetic energy of a 17. What is a cyclotron? Discuss the
charged particle is proportional to its principle, construction, theory and working
charge. of a cyclotron. What is the maximum kinetic
energy acquired by the accelerated
∴ Kp:Kd:Ka=e:e:2e = 1:1:2 charged particles? Give the limitations and
Radius of the circular path of any particle of uses of a cyclotron.
kinetic energy K, Cyclotron. It is a device used to

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accelerate charged particles like protons, or or

deutrons, a-particles, etc., to very high
energies. It was invented by E.O. Period of revolution of the charged
Lawrence and M.S. particle is given by
- Livingston in 1934 at Berkeley, California
University.
Principle. A charged particle can be
accelerated to very high energies by
making it pass through a moderate
electric field a number of times. This
can be done with the help of a
perpendicular magnetic field which
throws the charged particle into
agircular motion, the frequency of
which does not depend on the speed of
the particle and the radius of the
circular orbit.
Construction. As shown in Fig. 4.68, a
cyclotron consists of the following main
parts :
1. It consists of two small, hollow, metallic
half-cylinders D1 and D2, called dees as
they are in the shape of D.
2. They are mounted inside a vacuum
chamber between the poles of a
powerful electromagnet.
3. The dees are connected to the source
of high frequency alternating voltage of
few hundred kilovolts.
4. The beam of charged particles to be
accelerated is injected into the dees
near their centre, in a plane
perpendicular to the magnetic field.
5. The charged particles are pulled out of
the dees by a deflecting plate (which is
negatively charged) through a window
W.
6. The whole device is in high vacuum
(pressure ~ 10-6 mm of Hg) so that the
air molecules may not collide with the Fig. 4.68 Cyclotron (σ) Front view (b)
charged particles. Section diagram.
Theory: Let a particle of charge q and mass Hence frequency of revolution of the
m enter a region of magnetic field ⃗ with a particle will be
velocity , normal to the field ⃗ . The
particle follows a circular path, the
necessary centripetal force being provided
by the magnetic field. Therefore, Clearly, this frequency is independent
of both the velocity of the particle and the
Magnetic force on charge q = radius of the orbit and is called cyclotron
Centripetal force on charge q frequency or magnetic resonance

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frequency. This is the key fact which is mass. This will throw the particles out of
made use of in the operation of a cyclotron. resonance with the oscillating field. That is,
as the ions reach the gap between the
Working. Suppose a positive ion, say a
dees, the polarity of the dees is not
proton, enters the gap between the two
reversed at that instant. Consequently the
dees and finds dee D1 to be negative. It
ions are not accelerated further.
gets accelerated towards dee D1 As it
enters the dee D2 it does not experience The above drawback is overcome
any electric field due to shielding effect of either by increasing magnetic field as in a
the metallic dee. The perpendicular synchrotron or by decreasing the
magnetic field throws it into a circular path. frequency of the alternating electric field as
At the instant the proton comes out of dee in a synchro-cyclotron.
D3 it finds dee D↑ positive and dee D2
2. Electrons cannot be accelerated in
negative. It now gets accelerated towards
a cyclotron. A large increase in their energy
dee D2. It moves faster through D?
increases their velocity to a very large
describing a larger semicircle than before.
extent. This throws the electrons out of
Thus if the frequency of the applied voltage
step with the oscillating field.
is kept exactly the same as the frequency
of revolution of the proton, then every time 3. Neutrons, being electrically neutral,
the proton reaches the gap between the cannot be accelerated in a cyclotron.
two dees, the electric field is reversed and Uses of cyclotron :
proton receives a push and finally it
acquires very high energy. This is called 1. The high energy particles produced in a
the cyclotron's resonance condition. The cyclotron are used to bombard nuclei
proton follows a spiral path. The and study the resulting nuclear
accelerated proton is ejected through a reactions and hence investigate
window by a deflecting voltage and hits the nuclear structure.
target. 2. The high energy particles are used to
Maximum K.E. of the accelerated ions. produce other high energy particles,
The ions will attain maximum velocity near such as neutrons, by collisions. These
the periphery of the dees. If V0 is the fast neutrons are used in atomic
maximum velocity acquired by the ions and reactors.
r0 is the radius of the dees, then 3. It is used to implant ions into solids and
modify their properties or even
or synthesise new materials.

The maximum kinetic energy of the 4. It is used to produce radioactive

ions will be isotopes which are used in hospitals for
diagnosis and treatment.
( ) For Your Knowledge
 As the magnetic force on a charged
Or particle acts perpendicular to the
velocity, it does not do any work on
Limitations of cyclotron : the particle. As a result, the kinetic
1. According to the Einstein's special energy or the speed of the particle
theory of relativity, the mass of a particle does not change due to the
increases with the increase in its velocity magnetic force.
as  When a charged particle is
projected into a uniform magnetic
field with its initial velocity
√ perpendicular to the field, the
where is the rest mass of the particle. At magnetic force acts on the charged
high velocities, the cyclotron frequency (f = particle perpendicular to both the
qB/2 πm) will decrease due to increase in magnetic field and its direction of

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motion. This force produces

centripetal force to make the
particle move in a circle in a plane where R is the radius of the dees.
perpendicular to the magnetic field.
 When a charged particle moves Units Used
perpendicular to a uniform B is in tesla, v in ms-1, r in metre, T in
magnetic field : (i) its path is circular second and fc in Hz.
in a plane perpendicular to the
Example 51. Deutrons are accelerated in a
magnetic field and its direction of
cyclotron that has an oscillatory frequency
motion, (ii) the radius of the circular
of 107 Hz and a dee radius of 50 cm. (i)
path is proportional to its
What is the strength of the magnetic field
momentum, (iii) the kinetic energy
needed to accelerate the deutrons? (ii)
and speed of the particle do not
What is the energy of deutrons emerging
change, the force acting on the
from the cyclotron. Mass of a deutron=3.34
particle is independent of the radius
× 10-27 kg and charge of a deutron =1.6 ×
of the circular orbit but is
10-19 C.
proportional to its speed i.e., F cc r°
and F cc v and (v) the period of Solution, v = 107 Hz, R = 50 cm = 0.50
revolution of the charged particle is m,
independent of its speed and the
m=3.34× 10-27 kg, q=1.6×10-19C
radius of its circular orbit.
 When a charged particle is (i) Cyclotron frequency,
projected into a uniform magnetic
field at an arbitrary angle with the
∴
field, the component of the initial
velocity parallel to the magnetic = 1.3 T.
field will make the particle move
along the direction of the field while (ii)
the perpendicular component will
compel it to follow a circular path.
As a result, the particle will follow a
helical path with its axis parallel to
the field. J eV
 In a cyclotron, it is the electric field
which accelerates the charged = 10.125 MeV.
particles. The magnetic field does Example 52. A cyclotron's oscillator
not change the speed, it only frequency is 10 MHz. What should be the
makes the charged particle to cross operating magnetic field for accelerating
the same electric field again and protons? If the radius of the 'dees' is 60 cm,
again by making it move along a what is the kinetic energy of the proton
circular path. beam produced by the accelerator? (e =
Examples based on 1.60 × 10-9 C, mp=1.67 × 10-27 kg). Express
your answer in units of MeV (1 MeV =
Cyclotron 1.602 × 10 -13 J).
Formulae Used [CBSE OD 05 ; NCERT]
For the accelerated charged particle, Solution. Here fc =10 MHz =107 Hz,
1. Velocity, v = e = 1.6× 10-19 C, R =60 cm =0.6 m, m =
1.67×102-27 kg
2. Period of revolution, T =
The operating magnetic field for
accelerating protons is
3. Cyclotron frequency,
4. Maximum kinetic energy,

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revolutions before emerging from the dees.

The gain in its kinetic energy will be

neV or
= 0.66 T.
Given ms
Kinetic energy of the emerging beam
will be m = 1.67× 10-27 kg

revolutions.
Problems for Practice
1. An electron of energy 10,000 eV
J eV
describes a circular path in a plane at
= 7.4 MeV. right angles to a uniform magnetic field
of 0.01 T. (a) What is the radius of the
Example 53. In a cyclotron, a magnetic circular orbit? (b) What is the cyclotron
induction of 1.4 T is used to accelerate frequency? (c) What is the period of its
protons. How rapidly should the electric revolution? (d) What is the direction of
field between the dees be reversed? The revolution as viewed by an observer
mass and charge of proton are 1.67 × looking in the direction of the field?
10-27kg and 1.6 × 10-19 C respectively.
(Ans. 3.4×10-2m, 2.8×108s-1, 3.6× 10-9s,
Solution. Here B = 1.4 T, m = 1.67 × clockwise sense).
10-27 kg,
2. The protons are accelerated by a
e = 1.6x 10-19 C cyclotron, when a magnetic field of 2.0
The time required by a charged particle T is applied perpendicular to the plane
to complete a semicircle in a dee is of the dees. Calculate the energy of the
proton in MeV, if the circular path of the
protons has a radius of 40 cm before
the protons leave the cyclotron. Given
s mass of a proton = 1.67 × 10-27kg.
Thus the direction of electric field (Ans. 30.6 MeV)
should reverse after every 2.34 × 10-8 s.
3. A cyclotron has an oscillatory
The frequency of the applied electric frequency of 12 MHz and a dee radius
field should be of 50 cm. Calculate the magnetic field
required to accelerate deutrons of
Hz mass 3.3 × 10-2 kg and charge 1.6 × 10
-19
C. What is the energy of the
Example 54. If the maximum value of deutrons emerging from the cyclotron?
accelerating potential provided by a radio
frequency oscillator be 20 kV, find the (Ans. 1.56 T, 14.7 MeV)
number of revolutions made by a proton in 4. Alpha particles of mass 6.68 × 10-27 kg
a cyclotron to achieve one fifth of the speed and charge 3.2 × 10-19 C are
of light. Mass of a proton = 1.67 × 10-27 kg. accelerated in a cyclotron in which a
Solution. In a cyclotron, a proton gains magnetic field of 1.25 T is applied
energy eV, when it crosses a region of perpendicular to the dees. How rapidly
potential difference V. In one revolution, should the electric field between the
the particle crosses the gap twice. So the dees be reversed? What are the
energy gained in each revolution = 2 eV. velocity and kinetic energy of an alpha
particle when it moves in a circular orbit
Suppose the particle makes n of radius 25 cm?

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(Ans. 9.5 × 106 Hz, 1.5 × 107 ms-1, 7.5 × What is the cause of this force?
10-13 J)
Force on a current carrying conductor
HINTS in a magnetic field. When a conductor
carrying a current is placed in an external
4. magnetic field, it experiences a mechanical
force. To demonstrate this force, take a
J
small aluminium rod AB. Suspend it
horizontally by means of connecting wires
eV from a stand, as shown in Fig. 4.69.

= 30.6 MeV.
3. As

= 1.56 T.

J
Fig. 4.69 Force on a current in a
eV magnetic field.

= 14.7 MeV. Place a strong horse-shoe magnet in such

a way that the rod is between the two poles
4. s with the field directed upwards. Now, if a
current is passed through the rod from A to
qB 3.2 × 10-19 × 1.25 B, the rod gets deflected to the right. If we
reverse the direction of current or
Direction of electric field should be
interchange the poles of the magnet, the
reversed after every 5.25 × 10-8s.
deflection of the rod is also reversed. The
Applied frequency, direction of force is perpendicular to both
the current and the magnetic field and is
Hz given by Fleming's left hand rule.
Cause of the force on a current carrying
As
conductor in a magnetic field. A current is
an assembly of moving charges and a
magnetic field exerts a force on a moving
charge. That is why a current carrying
= 1.5 × 107 ms-1 conductor when placed in a magnetic field
experiences a sideways force as the force
experienced by the moving charges (free
electrons) is transmitted to the conductor
= × 6.68 × 10“27 × (1.5 × 107)2 2 as a whole.

= 7.5 × 10-13 J. 19. Derive an expression for the force

experienced by a current carrying
4.17 FORCE ON A CURRENT straight conductor placed in a magnetic
CARRYING CONDUCTOR IN A field. Under what conditions, is this
MAGNETIC FIELD force
18. Describe an experiment to illustrate (i) zero and (ii) maximum ?
that a current carrying conductor
experiences a force in a magnetic field. State the rule used to determine the

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direction of this force? Special Cases (i) If θ=0°or 180°, then

F=IIB (0)=0
Expression for the force on a current
carrying conductor in a magnetic field. As Thus a current carrying conductor
shown in Fig. 4.70, consider a conductor placed parallel to the direction of the
PQ of length l, area of cross- section A, magnetic field does not experience any
carrying current I along +ve Y-direction. force, (ii) If θ =90°, then
The field ⃗ acts along +ve Z-direction. The F = FBsin90°= IIB or Fmax = IIB
electrons drift towards left with velocity vd.
Each electron experiences a magnetic Thus a current carrying conductor
Lorentz force along +ve X-axis, which is placed perpendicular to the direction of a
given by magnetic field experiences a maximum
force.
⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗
Direction of force. The direction of force
If n is the number of free electrons per unit on a current carrying conductor placed in a
perpendicular magnetic field is given by
Fleming's left hand rule.
Stretch the thumb and the first two fingers
of the left hand in mutually perpendicular
directions. If the forefinger points in the
direction of the magnetic field, central
finger in the direction of current, then the
thumb gives the direction of force on the
conductor. In Fig. 4.70, the field B is along
+ Z-direction, the current I along +
Fig. 4.70 Force on a current in a Y-direction and so the force acts along +
magnetic field. X-direction.
volume, then total number of electrons in Examples based on
the conductor is
Force on a current carrying conductor in a
N - n× volume = nAl magnetic field
Total force on the conductor is Formulae Used
⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗ 1. ⃗ 2. F = II B sin
⃗ θ
3.
If represents a current element
vector in the direction of current, then Units Used
vectors and will have opposite Force F is in newton, current I in ampere,
directions and we can take length I in metre and field B in tesla.
⃗⃗⃗⃗ Example 55. A wire of length l carries a
current I along the X-axis. A magnetic field
⃗ ⃗ ̂ ̂ ̂ tesla exists in space.
But enAvd = current, I Find the magnitude of the magnetic force
on the wire.
Hence ⃗
Solution. As the wire carries current I
Magnitude of force. The magnitude of along the X-axis, so l =1 i
the force on the current carrying conductor
⃗ Also, ⃗ ̂ ̂ ̂ tesla
is given by
where θ is the angle between the direction Magnetic force on the wire is
of the magnetic field and the direction of ⃗ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
flow of current.

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̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ forces on the four sides of the frame.

̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂

̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
⃗ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
Magnitude of the magnetic force is
√ √ newton.
Example 56. The horizontal component of Fig. 4.71
the earth's magnetic field at a certain place Solution. By symmetry, the current
is 3.0 × 10-5 T and the direction of the field through each of the four sides will be 1 A.
is from the geographic south to the Also,
geographic north. A very long straight
conductor is carrying a steady current of l l =20 cm =0.20 m, B = 0.25T
A. What is the force per unit length on it Magnitude of force on each side is F =
when it is placed on a horizontal table and IIBsin90°
the direction of the current is (a) east to
west, (b) south to north? = 1 × 0.20 × 0.25×1 =0.05 N
[NCERT] By Fleming's left hand rule, forces on
ab and dc will be towards left and on ad
Solution. The force on a conductor of and be downward.
length / placed in a magnetic field B, and
carrying current I, is Example 58. A magnetic field of 1.0 T is
produced by an electromagnet in a
F = IIB sin θ cylindrical region of radius 4.0 cm, as
The force per unit length will be shown in Fig. 4.72. A wire, carrying current
of 2.0 , is placed peiγen- dicular to and
intersecting the axis of the cylindrical
region. Find the magnetic force acting on
where θ is the angle that the conductor the wire.
makes with the direction of B . Solution. Clearly, the magnetic field
(a) When the current flows east to west, θ acts vertically downwards while the current
=90°. flows horizontally, so
∴ θ =90°.
= 3.0 × 10-5 Nm-1
According to Fleming's left hand rule,
this force acts vertically downwards.
(b) When the current flows from south
to north, θ =0°

Thus the force per unit length of the Fig. 4.72

conductor is zero. Length of the wire in the cylindrical
Example 57. A current of 2 A enters at the region
corner 'a' of a square frame of side 20 cm = 2 r = 2 × 4.0 cm = 0.08 m
and leaves at opposite corner 'c'. A
magnetic field of B- 0.25 T acts in a ∴ F= IIBsin90° =2.0x0.08 × 1.0 × 1 =
direction perpendicular to the plane of 0.16 N
paper, as shown in Fig. 4.71. Find the
This force acts on the wire normally into
magnitude and direction of the magnetic
the plane of paper.

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Example 59. A straight wire of mass 200 g ∴ F =12 × 0.04 × 0.25 sin 60° = 0.10 N.
and length 1.5 m carries a current of 2 A. It
is suspended in mid-air by a uniform Example 61. On a smooth plane inclined at
horizontal magnetic field B. What is the 30° with the horizontal, a thin
magnitude of the magnetic field? current-carrying metallic rod is placed
[NCERT; CBSE F 15] parallel to the horizontal ground. The plane
is located in a uniform magnetic field of
Solution. Suppose that a wire AB 0.15 T in the vertical direction. For what
carries a current of 2 A in the direction as value of current can the rod remain
shown in Fig. 4.73. The weight mg of the stationary? The mass per unit length of the
wire acts vertically downwards. Therefore, rod is 0.03 kg m-1. [NCERT] Solution.
according to Fleming's left hand rule, the Suppose a rod PQ is placed horizontally on
magnetic field B must act perpendicularly an inclined plane as shown in Fig. 4.74.
into the plane of paper so that the magnetic Various forces acting on the current
force F on the wire acts vertically upwards. carrying rod PQ are
(i) its weight Mg acting vertically
downwards; and
(ii) horizontal force BIl due to the
magnetic field B .
In order that the rod remains stationary,
the component of the weight of the rod
along the inclined plane must be balanced
by the component of the force BIl along the
Fig. 4.73 inclined plane, i.e.,
For mid-air suspension, Mg sin θ = BIl cos θ
Magnetic force on the wire = Weight of the
wire IIB sin 90° = mg
Or
But m = 200 g =0.2 kg, g=9.8 ms-2, I =
1.5 m,
I =2 A
∴
Example 60. What is the force on a wire of
length 4.0 cm placed inside a solenoid near Fig. 4.74
its centre, making an angle of 60° with its If m is the mass per unit length of the rod,
axis? The wire carries a current of 12 A then M = ml
and the magnetic field due to the solenoid
has a magnitude of 0.25 T. ∴ mlg sin θ = BIl cos θ
Solution. The force on a conductor of ∴
length l placed in a magnetic field B, and
carrying current 1, is Or
F = IIB sin θ
where θ is the angle that the conductor
makes with the direction of B. Example 62 A short conductor of length 5.0
Since the field due to a solenoid near cm is placed parallel to a long conductor of
its centre is along its axis, so θ =60°. length 1.5 m near its centre. The
conductors carry currents 4.0 A and 3.0 A
Also I=12 A, I= 4.0 cm = 0.04 m, B = 0.25T respectively in the same direction. What is

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the total force experienced by the long

conductor when they are 3.0 cm apart? newton
[NCERT]
The current I would support the wire if
Solution. As the two conductors have the above force equals the weight of the
different lengths, the longer conductor may wire,
be considered to be of infinite length.
Therefore, magnetic field produced by it at i.e.,
a distance of 3 cm (0.03 m) is given by
or
T
T Example 64. Figure 4.75 shows a
triangular loop PQR carrying current I. The
Force on the short conductor due to triangle is equilateral with side equal to l. If
this magnetic field will be a uniform magnetic field B exists parallel to
N = 4 PQ, then find the forces acting on the three
× 10-6 N wires separately.

According to Newton's third law, the

longer conductor will also experience a
force of reaction equal to 4.0 × 10-6 N. As
the currents are in the same direction, the
force is attractive.
Example 63. A solenoid 60 cm long and of
radius 4.0 cm has 3 layers of windings of Fig. 4.75
300 turns each. A 2.0 cm long wire of mass
2.5 g lies inside the solenoid near its centre Solution. As B 11 PQ, so force on wire PQ
normal to its axis; both the wire and the is
axis of the solenoid are in the horizontal ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗
plane. The wire is connected through two
leads parallel to the axis of the solenoid to Or
an external battery which supplies a Force on wire QR,
current of 6.0 A in the wire. What value of
current in the windings of the solenoid can ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗
support the weight of the wire? g =9.8 ms-2. √
Or
[NCERT] By right hand rule, this force acts
Solution. Let I be the current in the normally into the plane of paper.
windings of the solenoid which can support Force on wire RP,
the weight of the wire. The magnetic field
⃗ ⃗
inside the solenoid along its axis will be
√
B = μ0nI Or
Now n= This force acts normally out of the
plane of paper.
turns m Poblems For Practice

∴B = 4π × 10-7 × 1500 × I -6π× 10-4 I 1. A current of 1 A flows in a wire of length

tesla 0.1 m in a magnetic field of 0.5 T.
Calculate the force acting on the wire
This field acts perpendicular to the when the wire makes an angle of (a)
current carrying wire, therefore, the 90° (b) 0°, with respect to the magnetic
magnetic force on the wire will be field.

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(Ans. 0.05 N, 0) Fig. 4.76

2. A current of 5.0 A is flowing upward in a 7. A horizontal wire 0.1 m long carries a
long vertical wire placed in a uniform current of 5 A. Find the magnitude and
horizontal northward magnetic field of direction of the magnetic field which
0.02 T. How much force and in what can support the weight of wire
direction will the field exert on 0.06 m assuming that its mass is 3 ×10-3 kg
length of the wire? m~h
(Ans. 6 × 10-3 N, towards west) (Ans. 5.88 × 10-3 T)
3. What is the magnitude of force on a 8. A conductor of length 10 cm is placed
wire of length 0.04 m placed inside a perpendicular to a uniform magnetic
solenoid near its centre, making an field of strength 100 oersted. If a
angle of 30° with its axis? The wire charge of 5 C passes through it in 5 s,
carries a current of 12 A and the find the force experienced by the
magnetic field due to the solenoid is of conductor.
magnitude 0.25 T.
(Ans. 10-3 N)
[CBSE OD 90 C] (Ans. 0.06 N)
9. A conductor of length 20 cm is placed
4. A long straight conductor P carrying a (i) parallel (ii) perpendicular (iii) inclined
current of 2 A is placed parallel to a at an angle 30° to a uniform magnetic
short conductor Q of length 0.05 m field of 2 T. If a charge of 10 C passes
carrying a current of 3 A. The two through it in 5 s, find the force
conductors are 0.10 m apart. experienced by the conductor. [Ans. (i)
zero (ii) 0.8 N (iii) 0.4 N]
Calculate
10. A current of 5.0 A exists in the loop
(a) the magnetic field due to P at Q
shown in Fig. 4.77. The wire AB has a
(b) the approxim ate force on Q. length of 50 cm and lies in a magnetic
(Ans. 4 × 10-6 T, 6 × 10-7 N) field of 0.20 T. What is the magnetic
force acting on the wire?
5. A straight wire 1 m long carries a
current of 10 A at right angles to a (Ans. 0.50 N, towards the inside of the
uniform magnetic field of 1 Wb m-2. loop)
Find the mechanical force on the wire
and the power required to move it at 15
ms-1 in a plane at right angles to the
field. (Ans. 10 N, 150 W)
6. A wire AB making an angle of 30° with
a horizontal is supported by a magnetic
field of 0.65 T, directed normally into Fig. 4.77
the plane of paper. If the wire carries a 11. A horizontal wire 0.1 m long having
current of 5 A, determine its mass per mass 3 g carries a current of 5 A. Find
unit length. the magnitude of the magnetic field
(Ans. 0.2872 kg m-1) which must act at 30° to the length of
the wire in order to support its weight ?
(Ans. 0.1176 T)
12. Find the magnitude of the magnetic
force on the segment PQ placed in a
magnetic field of 0.25 T, if a current of 5
A flows through it, as shown in Fig.
4.78. (Ans. 0.32 N)

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∴
11 sin θ 0.1 × 5 × sin 30°
12. F = IIB sin θ = 5 × 0.30 × 0.25 sin
(180° - 120°)
= 5 × 0.30 × 0.25 × sin 60° = 0.32 N.
Fig. 4.78
4.18 FORCES BETWEEN TWO
HINTS PARALLEL CURRENT-CARRYING
CONDUCTORS
3. F = IIB sin θ = 12 × 0.04 × 0.25 sin 30°
= 0.06 N. 20. How will you show experimentally
the existence of (i) attractive forces
4. (a) Magnetic field due to P at Q is
between parallel currents and (ii) repulsive
forces between anti-parallel currents?
T
Forces between two parallel
(b) Force on Q F = IIB sin θ current-carrying conductors. It was first
observed by Ampere in 1820 that two
= 3× 0.05 × 4 × 10-6 × sin 90°
parallel straight conductors carrying
= 6.0 X10-7T. currents in the same direction attract each
other and those carrying currents in the
5. N
opposite directions repel each other.
W
Experiment 1. As shown in Fig. 4.79,
6. Force on wire AB, F = IIB sin 90° = IIB the upper ends of two wires are connected
to the -ve terminal of a battery and their
Component of the force in the vertically
√
lower ends are connected to the +ve
upward direction = terminal of the battery through a mercury
bath. When the circuit is completed, the
If m is the mass per unit length of wire, then current flows in the two wires in the same
its weight = mlg direction. The two wires are found to be
√ closer to each other, indicating a force of
attraction between them.
√ √
or

= 0.2872 kg m-1.
7. In equilibrium,
Magnetic force on wire = Weight of wire
or IIB sin 90° = mg

or T

8. F = IIB sin . IB sin 90° Fig. 4.79 Attractive force between parallel
currents.
N Experiment 2. As shown in Fig. 4.80,
two wires are connected to a battery
9. Proceed as in Problem 8 above.
through a mercury bath in such a way that
10. F = IIB sin θ = 5.0 × 0.50 × 0.20 × current flows in them in succession. When
sin 90° = 0.50 N. the circuit is closed, the currents in the two
wires flow in opposite directions. The two
11. F = IIB sin θ = mg
wires move away from each other,
indicating a force of repulsion between

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them. exerts a force on current carrying wire CD.

The force acting on length l of the wire CD
will be

Force per unit length,

According to Fleming's left hand rule,

this force acts at right angles to CD,
towards AB in the plane of the paper.
Fig. 4.80 Repulsive force between Similarly, an equal force is exerted on the
antiparallel currents. wire AB by the field of wire CD. Thus when
21. Derive an expression for the force the currents in the two wires are in the
per unit length between two infinitely long same direction, the forces between them
straight parallel current carrying wires. are attractive. It can be easily seen that
Hence define one ampere. Also define
coulomb in terms of ampere.
As shown in Fig. 4.81(b), when the
Expression for the force between two currents in the two parallel wires flow in
parallel current-carrying wires. As shown in opposite directions (antiparallel), the forces
Fig. 4.81(a), consider two long parallel between the two wires are repulsive. Thus,
wires AB and CD carrying currents f and f.
Let r be the separation between them. Parallel currents attract and antiparallel
currents repel.
The magnetic field produced by current
f at any point on wire CD is Definition of ampere.
When f = I2 = 1 A and r = 1 m, we get

Nm

One ampere is that value of steady

current, which on flowing in each of the two
parallel infinitely long conductors of
negligible cross-section placed in vacuum
at a distance of lm from each other,
produces between them a force of 2 × 10~7
newton per metre of their length.
Definition of coulomb in terms of
ampere. If a steady current of 1 ampere is
set up in a conductor, then the quantity of
charge that flows through its cross-section
in 1 second is called one coulomb.
Examples based on
Forces between parallel current carrying
wires
Formulae Used
Fig. 4.81 (a) Parallel currents attract,
1. Force per unit length,
(b) Antiparallel currents repel.
This field acts perpendicular to the wire 2. Force on length / of one of the
CD and points into the plane of paper. It wires,

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Units Used opposite directions, only then Q will

experience a repulsive force which would
Force is in newton, currents in ampere,
balance the weight of Q.
distance r in metre and field B in tesla.
Constant Used ∴

Tm Or
Example 65. A current of 5.0 A flows
= 3.33 × 10-3 m = 3.33 mm.
through each of two parallel long wires.
The wires are 2.5 cm apart. Calculate the Example 67. A current balance (or ampere
force acting per unit length of each wire. balance) is a device for measuring
Use the standard value of constant currents. The current to be measured is
required. What will be the nature of the arranged to go through two long parallel
force, if both currents flow in the same wires of equal length in opposite directions
direction? one of which is linked to the pivot of the
balance. The resulting repulsive force on
[Punjab 99]
the wire is balanced by putting a suitable
Solution. Here I1 = I2 = 5 A, mass in the scale pan hanging on the other
side of the pivot. In one measurement, the
r =2.5 cm =2.5 ×10-2m, μ0=4 × 10-7 TmA-1 mass in the scale pan is 30.0 g, the length
Force acting per unit length of each wire, of the wires is 50.0 cm each, and the
separation between them is 10.0 mm.
What is the value of the current being
measured? Take g =9.80 ms-2 and assume
Nm that the arms of the balance are equal.
[
As the currents in both the wires flow in NCERT]
the same direction, the force will be
attractive. Solution, w = 30.0 g = 0.03 kg, l = 50 cm
= 0.50 m, r = 10.0 mm = 0.01 m, g = 9.8
Example 66. A long horizontal wire P ms-2
carries a current of 50 A. It is rigidly fixed.
Another fine wire Q is placed directly above Force per unit length between two parallel
and parallel to P. The weight of the wire Q conductors,
is 0.075 Nm-1 and it carries a current of 25
A. Find the position of the wire Q from the
wire P so that Q remains suspended due to
the magnetic repulsion. Also indicate the ∴ Force on a conductor of length l,
direction of current in Q with respect to P.
[Roorkee 96]
Solution. The magnetic force per unit When the pan is balanced,
length on the wire Q due to the current in
wire P is Weight in scale pan = Balancing force
i.e.,

or

= 29400
I=√ = 171.46 A.
Example 68. A rectangular loop of sides 25
cm and 10 cm carrying a current of 15 A is
Fig. 4.82 placed with its longer side parallel to a long
straight conductor 2.0 cm apart carrying a
The currents in P and Q must have current of 25 A. What is the net force on the

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loop? resistances. The separation between the

neighbouring wires is 1.0 cm. The wires AE
[CBSE OD 05]
and BF have negligible resistance and the
Solution. Consider the rectangular loop ammeter reads 15 A. Calculate the
ABCD placed near a long straight magnetic force per unit length of AB and
conductor XY, as shown in Fig. 4.83. The CD.
arm AB will get attracted, while CD will get
Solution. By symmetry, current through
repelled. Forces on arms BC and AD,
each of the wires AB, CD and EF is 5 A.
being equal, opposite and collinear, will
cancel each other.

Fig. 4.84
Force per unit length of AB due to current
in CD is
Fig. 4.83
Current through the rectangular loop, =
15 A
= 5.0 × 10-4 Nm-1, directed downward Force
Current through the long wire XY, =25 A per unit length of AB due to current in EF is
Force on AB,
length of conductor AB
= 2.5 × 10-4 Nm-1, directed downward
Total force per unit length of AB is
+
f=
-4
= 9.375 × 10 N
= 7.5 × 10-4 Nm-1, directed downward Force
(Att
per unit length of CD due to current in AB is
ractive)
Force on CD,
length of conductor CD = 5.0 × 10-4 Nm-1, directed upward
Force per unit length of CD due to current
in EF is

= 1.5625 × 10-4
(Re
pulsive) = 5.0 × 10-4 Nm-1 directed downward ∴
∴ Net force on the loop, Total force per unit length of CD = zero.
Problems For Practice
F=Fl-F2 =9.375 × 10-4 -1.5625 × 10-4
1. A long horizontal rigidly supported wire
= 7.8125×10-4 N- 7.8 × 10-4 N (Attractive)
carries a current of 100 A. Directly
Thus the force on the loop will act above it and parallel to it is a fine wire
towards the long conductor (attractive) if that carries a current of 200 A and
the current in its closer side is in the same weighs 0.05 Nm-1. How far above the
direction as the current in the long wire should the second wire be kept to
conductor, otherwise it will be repulsive. support it by magnetic repulsion? (Ans.
Example 69. In Fig. 4.84, the wires AB, CD 8 cm)
and EF are long and have identical 2. A wire AB is carrying a steady current

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of 12 A and is lying on the table.

Another wire CD carrying 5 A is held
directly above AB at a height of 1 mm.
Find the mass per unit length of the
wire CD so that it remains suspended
at its position when left free. Give the
direction of the current flowing in CD
with respect to that in AB.
[Take the value of g = 10 ms-2].
[CBSE OD 13]
[Ans. (i) x = 0 (ii) F = 2.67 μN, towards the
(Ans. 1.2 × 10-3 kg m-1, in the opposite straight wire]
direction)
6. A square loop of side 20 cm carrying
3. Two very long, straight, parallel wires A current of 1 A is kept near an infinite
and B carry currents of 10 A and 20 A long straight wire carrying a current of 2
respectively, and are at a distance 20 A in the same plane as shown in Fig.
cm apart, as shown in Fig. 4.85. If a 4.88. Calculate the magnitude and
third wire C (length 15 cm) having a direction of the net force exerted on the
current of 10 A is placed between them, loop due to the current carrying
how much force will act on C? The conductor.
direction of current in all the three wires
is same. (Ans. 3.0 × 10-5 N, towards B) [CBSE OD 15C]
(Ans. 5.33 ×10-7N)

4. In Fig. 4.86, ABCD is a rectangular loop Fig. 4.88

made of uniform wire. The length AD -
HINTS
BC = 1cm. The sides AB and DC are
much longer than AD or BC. Find the 1. Force of repulsion per unit length,
magnetic force per unit length acting on
the wire DC due to the wire AB if the
ammeter reads 10 A.
(Ans. 5 × 10-4 Nm-1, attractive)
5. A rectangular loop of wire of size 2cm ×
5 cm carries a steady current of 1 A. A
straight long wire carrying 4 A current is 2. Weight per unit length of upper wire
kept near the loop as shown in Fig. 4.87. If = Magnetic force per unit length
the loop and the wire are coplanar, find (i)
the torque acting on the loop and (ii) the
magnitude and direction of the force on the Mass per unit length
loop due to the current carrying wire.
[CBSE D 12]
= 1.2 × 10-3 kgm-1
The direction of current in CD must be
opposite to that of current in AB so that the

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force between the two wires is repulsive.

3. Force on C due to A,

= 3.0 × 10-5 N, towards A

Force on C due to B,

= 6.0 × 10-3 N, towards B

Net force on C
= F2 – F1 = 3.0 × 10-5 N, towards B.

= 5 ×10-4 Nm-1, attractive

5. (i) As direction of the magnetic field due
to the straight conductor is parallel to
the area vector (both normal to the
plane of the loop), so torque x = 0.
(ii) Proceed as in Example 68 on page
4.51 Fig. 4.89 (a) A rectangular loop PQRS in a
6. uniform magnetic field B. (b) Top view of
the loop, magnetic dipole moment m is
Net force on sides ab and cd shown.
Let I = current flowing through the coil
[ ] PQRS
a,b = sides of the coil PQRS
[
A = ab = area of the coil
]N θ = angle between the direction of B and
normal to the plane of the coil.
[ ]N According to Fleming's left hand rule, the
N magnetic forces on sides PS and QR are
equal, opposite and collinear (along the
This force is directed towards the axis of the loop), so their resultant is zero.
infinitely long straight wire.
The side PQ experiences a normal
4.19 TORQUE EXPERIENCED BY A inward force equal to IbB while the side RS
CURRENT LOOP IN A UNIFORM experiences an equal normal outward
MAGNETIC FIELD force. These two forces form a couple
22. Derive an expression for the torque which exerts a torque given by
acting on a current carrying loop x = Force × perpendicular distance
suspended in a uniform magnetic field.
= IbB × a sin θ = IB A sin θ
Torque on a current loop in a uniform
magnetic field. As shown in Fig. 4.89(a), If the rectangular loop has N turns, the
consider a rectangular coil PQRS torque increases N times i.e.,
suspended in a uniform magnetic field B,
with its axis perpendicular to the field.

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But NIA = m, the magnetic moment of the  In a uniform magnetic field, the net
loop, so = mB sin θ magnetic force on a current loop is
zero but torque acting on it may be
In vector notation, the torque x is given by
zero or non-zero.
⃗⃗ ⃗  In a non-uniform magnetic field, the
net magnetic force on a current is
The direction of the torque x is such non-zero but torque acting on it
that it rotates the loop clockwise about the may be zero or non-zero.
axis of suspension.
Examples based on
Special Cases
Torques on current loops
(i) When θ =0°, x =0, i.e., the torque is
minimum when the plane of the loop is Formulae Used
perpendicular to the magnetic field. Torque on a current loop in a magnetic
(ii) When θ =90°, x = NIB A, i.e., the torque field, = NIB A sin θ = mB sin θ
is maximum when the plane of the loop where m = NIA = magnetic dipole moment
is parallel to the magnetic field. Thus of the current loop.
In vector form, ⃗⃗ ⃗
For Your Knowledge
Units Used
 The expression for torque ( =
Current I is in ampere, area A in m2, field B
NIBA sin θ) holds for a planar loop
in tesla, torque x in Nm and magnetic
of any shape. Thus the torque on a
moment m in Am2.
planar current loop depends on
current, strength of magnetic field Example 70. The maximum torque acting
and area of the loop. It is on a coil of effective area 0.04 m2 is 4× 10-8
independent of the shape of the Nm when the current in it is 100 μ Find
loop. the magnetic induction in which it is kept.
 For a planar current loop of a given
Solution. A =0.04 m2, max = 4×10-8 Nm,
perimeter suspended in a magnetic
field, the torque is maximum when I = 100 μ =10-4 A, N =1
the loop is circular in shape. This is As
because for a given perimeter, a
circle has maximum area. ∴Magnetic induction,
 The expression ⃗⃗ ⃗ for the
torque on a current loop in a
magnetic field is analogous to the
expression ⃗ for the
torque on an electric dipole in
anelectric field. This supports the Wbm
fact that a current loop is a
magnetic dipole. Example 71. Calculate the torque on a 100
 The torque on a current loop in a turn rectangular coil of length 40 cm and
magnetic field is the operating breadth 20 cm, carrying a current of 10 A,
principle of the electric motor and when placed making an angle of 60° with a
most electric meters used for magnetic field of 3 T.
measuring currents and voltages, Solution. Here I =10 A, N =100, B =3 T,
called galvanometers.
A = 40 cm × 20 cm = 800 cm2 = 8 × 10-2 m2
 If the direction of the magnetic field
θ = 90°-60° =30°
makes an angle α with the plane of
the current loop, then = Angle between B and the normal to the
θ + α = 90° or θ = 90° - α plane of the coil
= NIBA sin (90° - α) = NIB A cos
∴ Torque,
α.

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= NIBA sin θ magnetic field is zero.

= 100 × 10 × 3 × 8 × 10-2 × sin 30° Fig. 4.90
= 120 Nm. In Fig. 4.90, n is a unit vector normal to the
plane of the loop, directed outward. The
Example 72. Given a uniform magnetic
angle between n and 8 is 90°. The
field of 100 G in an east to west direction
magnitude of the torque acting on the loop
and a 44 cm long wire with a current
is
carrying capacity of almost 10 A. What is
the shape and orientation of the loop made = NIB A sin θ
of this wire which yields maximum turning
= 25 × 10 × 1.2 × π (0.06)2 × sin 90°
effect on the loop? What is the magnitude
of the maximum torque? = 3.4 Nm
Solution. B = 100 G = 100 × 10-4 T, I = This torque acts in the vertically upward
10 A direction producing turning effect in the
direction of curved arrow. To prevent the
The torque on the planar loop will be
coil from turning, a balancing torque
maximum if its area is maximum. Since for
must be applied.
a given perimeter, a circle encloses
maximum area, therefore, the wire should Example 74. A rectangular coil of sides 8
be bent into a circular loop of radius r given cm and 6 cm having 2000 turns and
by carrying a current of 200 mA is placed in a
uniform magnetic field of 0.2 T directed
2πr = 44
along the + ve X-axis.
cm m (i) What is the maximum torque the coil
can experience? In which orientation
∴ Area of the circular loop, does it experience the maximum
torque?
m (ii) For which orientations of the coil is the
torque zero?
Again, for maximum torque, the loop
must be oriented with its plane in N-S When is this equilibrium stable and when is
direction. it unstable?
Then
[NCERT]
Solution. I =8 cm =0.08 m, b = 6 cm
Nm
=0.06 m N =2000, I =200 mA =0.2 A, B =
= 1.54 × 10-3Nm. 0.2 T
Example 73. A circular coil of 25 turns and The magnitude of the magnetic dipole
radius 6.0 cm, carrying a current of 10 A, is moment is given by
suspended vertically in a uniform magnetic
m= NIA =2000 × 0.2 × (0.08 × 0.06) =1.92
field of magnitude 1.2 T. The field lines run
Am2
horizontally in the plane of the coil.
Calculate the force and the torque on the The direction of ⃗⃗ is normal to area
coil due to the magnetic field. In which of the coil from S-pole to N-pole.
direction should a balancing torque be Magnitude of torque on the coil is
applied to prevent the coil from turning?
= mB sin θ
Solution. Consider any element dl of
For maximum torque, m must be
the wire. Force on this element is ⃗⃗⃗ ⃗.
perpendicular to B.
For each element dl, there is another
element -dl on the current loop. Forces on Therefore,
each pair of such elements cancel out. = mB = 1.92 × 0.2 = 0.384 Nm
max
Hence net force on the coil in a uniform

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Thus the torque on the coil is maximum

whenever the X-axis lies in the plane of the
coil.
The torque on the coil is zero when ⃗⃗
is parallel or antiparallel to 8, i.e., when it
lies in the YZ-plane. The coil will be in
stable equilibrium when ⃗⃗ is parallel to ⃗
and in unstable equilibrium when ⃗⃗ is
Fig. 4.92
antiparallel to ⃗ .
Solution. As the magnetic field B acts
Example 75. A 100-turns coil kept in a parallel to sides PS and QR, no forces act
magnetic field B =0.05 Wb m, carries a on these sides.
current of 1 A, as shown in Fig. 4.91. Find
the torque acting on the coil. [MNREC 97] Force on side PQ is
F = IIB sin θ = 1.5 × 0.7 × 40 × sin 60°
= 1.5 × 0.7 × 40 × 0.866 = 36.37 N
According to Fleming's left hand rule,
the force F will act normally upward.
Similarly, force on side SR will also be
36.37 N, but it will be directed normally
Fig. 4.91 inward.
Solution. Here the angle between the (ii) As the forces on the sides PQ and
axis of rotation of the coil and the magnetic SR are equal, opposite and parallel, they
field ⃗ is 90°. form a couple which exerts a torque.
∴ N = 100, 7 = 1 A, = Force × distance between the two
forces
A-15 cm × 15 cm =225 × 10-4m2,
= F × PS sin 60° = 36.37 × 0.5 × 0.866
8 = 0.5 Wbm-2, θ =90°
= 15.75 Nm.
Torque,
Example 77. A 100 turn closely wound
= NIB A sin θ circular coil of radius 10 cm carries a
= 100 × 1 × 0.5 × 225 × 10-4 × sin 90° current of 3.2 A. (i) What is the field at the
center of the coil? (ii) What is the magnetic
= 1.125 Nm moment of this arrangement?
As the force on the arm PQ acts The coil is placed in a vertical plane
upwards and that on SR downwards, so and is free to rotate about a horizontal axis
the torque acts anticlockwise. which coincides with its diameter. A
Example 76. A parallelogram-shaped coil uniform magnetic field of 2T in the
PQRS of sides 0.7 m and 0.5 m carries a horizontal direction exists such that initially
current of 1.5 A, as shown in Fig. 4.92. the axis of the coil is in the direction of the
field. The coil rotates through an angle of
It is placed in a magnetic field B =40 T 90° under the influence of the magnetic
parallel to PS. Find (i) forces on the sides field. (iii) What are the magnitudes of the
of the coil and (ii) torque on the coil. torques on the coil in the initial and final
position? (iv) What is the angular speed
acquired by the coil when it has rotated by
90°? The M.I. of the coil is 0.1 kg m2.
[NCERT]
Solution, (i) Here N =100, I =3.2 A, r = 10
cm =0.1 m

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Magnetic field at the centre of the coil, current of 3 A. A thin coil having 10 turns of
wire and of radius 0.01 m carries a current
of 0.4 A. Calculate the torque required to
hold the coil in the middle of the solenoid
with its axis perpendicular to the axis of the
solenoid (μ0 = 4π × 10-7 V-s/ A- m).
T [Roorkee 90]
The direction of the field is given by Solution. For solenoid, l = 0.4 m, N1 =
right hand thumb rule. 500, I1 = 3 A
(ii) Magnetic moment associated with For coil, N2 =10, r = 0.01m, I2= 0.4 A
the coil, Field inside the solenoid,
m = NIA = Nl× = 100 × 3.2 × 3.14 ×
along the axis of solenoid.
(0.1)2
= 10 Am2 Magnetic moment of coil,
The direction of m is given by right , along the axis of
hand rule. coil.
(iii) Torque, = mB sin θ As the axis of the coil is perpendicular
to the axis of solenoid, ⃗⃗ and ⃗ will be
Initially, θ = 0°
perpendicular to each other.
Initial torque,
Required torque, = m B sin θ
= mB sin 0° = 0
Final torque,
= mB sin 90° = 10 × 2 × 1 = 20 Nm.
(iv) By Newton's second law,

But = 5.92 × 10-6 Nm.

Problems for Practice
∴
1. What is the maximum torque on a
rectangular coil of area 5 cm × 12 cm of
When θ changes from 0 to π / 2, 600 turns, when carrying a current of
suppose the angular speed changes from 10“ 5 A in a magnetic field of 0.10 T ?
0 to ω. Integrating above equation within
(Ans. 3.6 × 10-6 Nm)
these limits of θ and ω, we get
⁄ 2. What torque acts on a 40 turn coil of
∫ ∫ 100 cm2 area carrying a current of 10 A
held with its axis at right angles to a
uniform magnetic of 0.2 T ?
⁄
(Ans. 0.8 Nm)
3. A square shaped plane coil of area 100
cm2 of 200 turns carries a steady
current of 5 A. It is placed in a uniform
magnetic field of 0.2 T acting
√ √ rads perpendicular to the plane of the coil.
Calculate the torque on the coil when
Example 78. A solenoid of length 0.4 m its plane makes an angle of 60° with the
and having 500 turns of wire carries a direction of the field. In which

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orientation will the coil be in stable 4. = IB A sin θ = 2.0 × 2.0 × 10-2 × 0.40 ×
equilibrium? 0.25 × sin 90°
[CBSE OD 15C] (Ans. 1 Nm) = 4.0 ×10-3 Nm.
4. A rectangular coil PQRS is placed in a 5
uniform magnetic field B, as shown in
Fig. 4.93. Find the torque on the coil
when it carries a current of 2.0 A. The
magnitude of the field B is 2.0 × 10-2 T. = 0.5T.
(Ans. 4.0 × 10-3 Nm) 6. = NIB (πr2) sin θ
5. A rectangular coil of 100 turns has = 500 × 1.0 × 0.40 × 3.14 × (0.02)2 × sin 30°
length 5 cm and width 4 cm. It is placed
= 0.1256 0.13 Nm.
with its plane parallel to a uniform
magnetic field and a current of 2 A is 7. Proceed as in Exercise 4.25 on page
passed through the coil. If the torque 4.104.
acting on the coil is 0.2 Nm, find the 4.20 MOVING COIL GALVANOMETER
magnitude of the magnetic field.
23. Describe the principle, construction
(Ans. 0.5 T) and working of a pivoted-type moving coil
6. A circular coil of radius 2.0 cm has 500 galvanometer. Define its figure of merit.
turns and carries a current of 1.0 A. Its Moving coil galvanometer. A
axis makes an angle of 30° with the galvanometer is a device to detect current
uniform magnetic field of 0.40 T that in a circuit. The commonly used moving
exists in the space. Find the torque coil galvanometer is named so because it
acting on the coil. (Ans. 0.13 Nm) uses a current-carrying coil that rotates (or
7. A circular coil of 200 turns and radius moves) in a magnetic field due to the
10 cm is placed in a uniform magnetic torque acting on it.
field of 0.5 T, normal to the plane of the In a D'Arsonval galvanometer, the coil
coil. If the current in the coil is 3.0 A, is suspended on a phosphor-bronze wire. It
calculate the (a) total torque on the coil, is highly sensitive and requires careful
(b) total force on the coil, (c) average handling. In Weston galvanometer, the coil
force on each electron in the coil, due is pivoted between two jewellel bearings. It
to the magnetic field. is rugged and portable though less
Assume the area of cross-section of the sensitive, and is generally used in
wire to be 10-5 m2 and the free electron laboratories. The basic principle of both
density is 1029/m3. types of galvanometers is same.
[CBSE OD 08] Principle. A current carrying coil placed in a
-24 magnetic field experiences a current
[Ans. (a) zero (b) zero (c) 1.5 ×10 N] dependent torque, which tends to rotate
HINTS the coil and produces angular deflection.
1. A = 5cm × 12cm = 60×10 4m2 Construction. As shown in Fig. 4.94, a
Weston (pivoted-type) galvanometer
= NIB A
consists of a rectangular coil of fine
= 600 ×10-5 × 0.10×60 ×10-4 = 3.6×10-6Nm. insulated copper wire wound on a light
non-magnetic metallic (aluminium) frame.
2. = NIBA sin θ = 40 × 10 × 0.2 × 100 ×
The two ends of the axle of this frame are
10-4 sin 90°
pivoted between two jewelled bearings.
= 0.8 Nm. The motion of the coil is controlled by a pair
of hair springs of phosphor-bronze. The
3. = NIBA sin θ = 200×5×0.2×
inner ends of the springs are soldered to
100×10-4sin(90°-60°)
the two ends of the coil and the outer ends
= 1 Nm. are connected to the binding screws. The

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springs provide the restoring torque and have

serve as current leads. A light aluminium
I = current flowing through the coil PQRS
pointer attached to the coil measures its
deflection on a suitable scale. a, b = sides of the rectangular coil PQRS
A = ab = area of the coil
N = number of turns in the coil.

Fig. 4.95 (a) Rectangular loop PQRS in a

uniform magnetic field, (b) Top view of
the loop.
Since the field is radial, the plane of the
coil always remains parallel to the field B.
The magnetic forces on sides PQ and SR
are equal, opposite and collinear, so their
resultant is zero. According to Fleming's
left rule, the side PS experiences a normal
inward force equal to NIbB while the side
QR experiences an equal normal outward
force. The two forces on sides PS and QR
are equal and opposite. They form a
couple and exert a torque given by
Fig. 4.94 (a) Top view (b) Front view of a
pivoted-type galvanometer. = Force × Perpendicular distance
The coil is symmetrically placed = NIbB × a sin 90° = NIB (ab) = NIB A
between the cylindrical pole pieces of a Here θ = 90°, because the normal to
strong permanent horseshoe magnet. the plane of coil remains perpendicular to
A cylindrical soft iron core is mounted the field B in all positions.
symmetrically between the concave poles The torque t deflects the coil through an
of the horse-shoe magnet. This makes the angle α. restoring torque is set up in the
lines of force pointing along the radii of a coil due to the elasticity of the springs such
circle. Such a field is called a radial field. that
The plane of a coil rotating in such a field
remains parallel to the field in all positions, restoring or restoring
as shown in Fig. 4.94(A). Also, the soft iron
where k is the torsion constant of the
cylinder, due to its high permeability,
springs i.e., torque required to produce unit
intensifies the magnetic field and hence
angular twist. In equilibrium position,
increases the sensitivity of the
galvanometer. Restoring torque = Deflecting torque
Theory and working. In Fig. 4.95(a), we ka = NIB A

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or moving coil galvanometer depends :

1. Number of turns N in its coil.
or α I
2. Magnetic field B.
Thus the deflection produced in the
galvanometer coil is proportional to the 3. Area A of the coil.
current flowing through it. Consequently,
4. Torsion constant k of the spring and
the instrument can be provided with a scale
suspension wire.
with equal divisions along a circular scale
to indicate equal steps in current. Such a Factors by which the sensitivity of a
scale is called linear scale. moving coil galvanometer can be
increased :
Also,
1. By increasing the number of turns N of
The factor G-k/ NBA is constant for a the coil. But the value of N cannot be
galvanometer and is called galvanometer increased beyond a certain limit
constant or current reduction factor of the because that will make the
galvanometer. galvanometer bulky and increase its
resistance R.
Figure of merit of a galvanometer. It is
defined as the current which produces a 2. By increasing the magnetic field B. This
deflection of one scale division in the can be done by using a strong
galvanometer and is given by horse-shoe magnet and placing a soft
iron core within the coil.
3. By increasing the area A of the coil.
However, increasing A beyond a
4.21 SENSITIVITY OF A
certain limit will make the galvanometer
GALVANOMETER
bulky and unmanageable.
24. When is a galvanometer said to be
4. By decreasing the value of torsion
sensitive? Define current sensitivity and
constant k. The torsion constant k is
voltage sensitivity of a galvanometer. State
made small by using suspension wire
the factors on which the sensitivity of a
and springs of phosphor bronze.
moving coil galvanometer depends. How
can we increase the sensitivity of a 25. Give the advantages and
galvanometer? disadvantages of using a moving coil
galvanometer.
Sensitivity of a galvanometer. A
galvanometer is said to be sensitive if it Advantages of a moving coil galvanometer
shows large scale deflection even when a :
small current is passed through it or a small
1. As the deflection of the coil is
voltage is applied across it.
proportional to the current passed
Current sensitivity. It is defined as the through it, so a linear scale can be used
deflection produced in the galvanometer to measure the deflection.
when a unit current flows through it.
2. A moving coil galvanometer can be
Current sensitivity, made highly sensitive by increasing N,
B, A and decreasing k.
Voltage sensitivity. It is defined as the
3. As the coil is placed in a strong
deflection produced in the galvanometer
magnetic field of a powerful magnet, its
when a unit potential difference is applied
deflection is not affected by external
across its ends.
magnetic fields. This enables us to use
Voltage sensitivity, the galvanometer in any position.
Current sensitivity 4. As the coil is wound over a metallic
Clearly, voltage sensitivity frame, the eddy currents produced in
the frame bring the coil to rest quickly.
Factors on which the sensitivity of a

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Disadvantages of a moving coil in tesla, angle α in degrees, torque t in Nm,

galvanometer : resistance R in ohm, potential difference V
in volt, torsion constant k in Nm deg-1.
1. The main disadvantage is that its
sensitiveness cannot be changed at Example 79. A rectangular coil of area 5.0
will.
× 10 -4 m2 and 60 turns is pivoted about one
2. All types of moving coil galvanometers
of its vertical sides. The coil is in a radial
are easily damaged by overloading. A
horizontal field of 90 G ('radial' here means
current greater than that which the
the field lines are in the plane of the coil for
instrument is intended to measure will
any orientation). What is the torsional
burn out its hair-springs or suspension.
constant of the hairsprings connected to
For Your Knowledge the coil if a current of 0.20 mA produces an
 If the radial field were not present in angular deflection of 18°?
a moving coil galvanometer, for
example, if the soft iron cylinder [NCERT]
were removed, then the torque Solution. B = 90 G = 90 × 10-4 T,
would be NBAI sin θ and 1 would be
A = 5.0 × 10-4m2, I = 0.20 mA = 0.20 × 10-3
proportional α / sin θ. The scale
A,
would then be non-linear and difficult
to calibrate or to read accurately. N =60, a =18°
 Phosphor-bronze is used for
Torsional constant of the hair spring is
suspension or hair springs because
given by
of several reasons :
1. It is a good conductor of electricity.
2. It does not oxidise.
3. It is perfectly elastic.
4. It has very little elastic after effect. Nm
5. It is non-magnetic. = 3.0 × 10-9 Nm deg
6. Of all materials, it has the minimum Example 80. A rectangular coil having
value for restoring torque per unit twist each turn of length 5 cm and breadth 2 cm
i.e., smallest torsion constant k. is suspended freely in a radial magnetic
Examples based on field of induction 2.5 × 10-2 Wb m-2,
torsional constant of the suspension fibre is
Moving coil galvanometer and its 1.5 × 10-8 Nm rad-1. The coil deflects
Sensitivity through an angle of 0.2 radian when a
Formulae Used current of 2 μ is passed through it. Find
the number of turns of the coil.
1. In a moving coil galvanometer,
Solution. A = 5 cm × 2 cm =10 × 10-4m2
Current, = 10-3m2
B = 2.5×10-2 Wb m-2, k =1.5 × 10-8Nm
Deflection produced, -1
rad
2. Figure of merit, θ =0.2 rad, I =2 μ =2 × 10-6A

3. Current sensitivity, As

4. Voltage sensitivity,
Units Used
Current I is in ampere, area A in m2, field B

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Example 81. The coil of a moving coil divisions

galvanometer has an effective area of 5 × divV
V
10-2 m2 It is suspended in a magnetic field
Resistance of galvanometer,
of 2 × 10-2 Wb m-1. If the torsional constant
of the suspension fibre is 4 × 10-9 Nm deg-1
find its current sensitivity in degree
per-microampere.
Solution. Here N = 1, A = 5 × 10-2 m2,
V
B = 2 × 10-2 Wb m-2, k = 4 × 10-9 Nm deg-1
Example 84. A moving coil meter has the
Current sensitivity following particulars : Number of turns, N =
24 ; Area of the coil, A =20 × 10-3m2
Magnetic field strength, B =0.20 T;
Resistance of the coil, R = 14 Ω.
= 0.25 × 106 deg A-1
(i) Indicate a simple way to increase the
-1
= 0.25 deg μ current sensitivity of the meter by 25%.
[∵ 1 A = 106 μ ] (It is not easy to change A or B).
(ii) If in doing so, the resistance of the coil
Example 82. A current of 200 μ deflects
increases to 21Ω, is the voltage
the coil of a moving coil galvanometer
sensitivity of the modified meter greater
through 30°. What should be the current to
or less than the original meter?
cause the rotation through π/10 radian?
[NCERT]
What is the sensitivity of the
galvanometer? Solution, (i) Current sensitivity,
Solution. Here =200 μ , θ1 =30°,
θ2 = rad , =?
Since it is easier to change N than K, A
or B, so the current sensitivity can be
increased by increasing N. To increase it
by 25%, N should be increased from 24 to
and 30.
∴ (ii) Voltage sensitivity,

As k, A, B are same in the two cases,

2 1
a2 30 we need to compare only N/R ratio.
Current sensitivity For original meter,

For modified meter,

Thus the modified meter has less

voltage sensitivity than the original meter.
Example 83. A galvanometer needs 50 mV
By increasing the number of turns, it has
for a full scale deflection of 50 divisions.
gained in current sensitivity but lost in
Find its voltage sensitivity. What must be
voltage sensitivity.
its resistance if its current sensitivity is 1
division/ μ ? Example 85. To increase the current
sensitivity of a moving coil galvanometer
Solution. Voltage sensitivity,
by 50%, its resistance is increased so that
divisions the new resistance becomes twice its initial
mV resistance. By what factor does its voltage

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sensitivity change? [CBSE OD 01] 1. A rectangular coil of area 100 cm2 and
consisting of 100 turns is suspended in
Solution. Current sensitivity,
a magnetic field of 5 × 10-2 T. What
current should be made to pass
through it in order to keep equilibrium at
Voltage sensitivity, an angle of 45° with the field? Given
that torsion constant of the suspension
fibre is 10-8Nm deg-1.
(Ans. 9 × 10-6 A)
New current sensitivity,
2. The coil of a galvanometer consists of
250 turns of fine wire wound on a 2.0
cm × 1.0 cm rectangular frame. It is
New voltage sensitivity, suspended in a uniform radial magnetic
field of strength 2,000 G. A current of
10“4 A produces an angular deflection
of 30° in the coil. Find the torsional
constant of its suspension.
Thus new voltage sensitivity becomes
75% of its initial value i.e., it decreases by (Ans. 1.9 ×10-6 Nm rad-1)
25%. 3. A moving coil galvanometer is placed in
Example 86. The coil of a galvanometer is a radial magnetic field of 0.2 T. The
0.02 m× 0.08 m It consists of200 turns of galvanometer coil has 200 turns and
fine wire and is in a magnetic field of 0.2 area of 1.6×10-4m2. The torsion
tesla. The restoring torque constant of the constant of the suspension fibre is 10-6
suspension fibre is 10-6 Nm deg-1. Nm deg-3 Determine the maximum
Assuming the magnetic field to be radial, current that can be measured by this
(a) what is the maximum current that can galvanometer if its scale can
be measured by this galvanometer, if the accommodate a deflection of 45°. (Ans.
scale can accommodate 30° deflection? 7 × 10-J A)
(b) What is the smallest current that can be 4. The coil of moving coil galvanometer is
detected, if the minimum observable 40 mm long and 25 mm wide. It has
deflection is 0.1 degree? 100 turns and is suspended in a radial
[CBSE OD 13C] magnetic field of 10-2 T. If the
suspension fibre has a torsional
Solution. Here A =0.02 × 0.08 m2 =1.6 constant of 10-8 Nm deg-1, find the
× 10-3m2 current sensitivity of the moving coil
N = 200, B = 0.2 T, k = 10-6 Nm deg-1 galvanometer. ( ns. 0.1 deg μ _1)
(a) The maximum current (Imax) that can 5. A coil of a moving coil galvanometer
be measured is given by twists through 45° when a current of 1
micro-ampere is passed through it. If
the area of the coil is 10-5m2 and it has
1000 turns, find the magnetic field of
the magnet of the galvanometer. The
restoring torque per unit twist of the
= 4.69 × 10-4 A. galvanometer coil is 10-4Nm deg-1.
(b) The smallest current (Imin) that can (Ans. 45 T)
be detected is given by 6. The coil of a pivoted-type galvanometer
has 50 turns and encloses an area of 6
m2. The magnetic field in the region in
which the coil swings is 0.01 T and is
radial. The torsional constant of the hair
spring is 1.0×10-8Nm deg-1. Find the
Problems for Practice

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angular deflection of the coil for a 3.

current of 1 mA. (Ans. 30°)
7. A rectangular coil of area 8×10-4m2 is
suspended freely in a radial magnetic
field of induction 2 × 10-2 Wb m-2. When 4. Current sensitivity =
a current of 5 μ is passed through the
coil, it deflects through 60°. The 5. As so
torsional constant of the suspension is
3.821 ×10-9 Nm rad-1. Find the number 6. Use
of turns of the coil. (Ans. 50 turns)
8. A galvanometer needs 25 mV for a full 7. Use
scale deflection of 50 divisions. Find its divisions divisions
voltage sensitivity. What must be its 8. mV V
resistance if its current sensitivity is 1
2 × 103 div V-1
div/20 μ ?
(Ans. 2 × 103 div V-1 25 Ω)
9. If the current sensitivity of a moving coil
galvano meter is increased by 20%, its
resistance also increases by 1.5 times.
Flow will the voltage sensitivity of the V
galvanometer be affected? 9. Current sensitivity,
[CBSE OD 99]
Voltage sensitivity,
(Ans. Decreases by 20%)
10. Compare the current sensitivity and
voltage sensitivity of the following
moving coil galvanometers : M1 and M2 New current sensitivity,
:
N1 = 30, A1 = 1.5 × 10-3 m2,
B1 = 0.25 T, R = 20 Ω. New voltage sensitivity,

N2 = 35, A2 = 2.0 × 10-3m2

S
B2, =0.25T, R = 30Ω.
You are given that the springs in the two Thus the new voltage sensitivity becomes
meters have the same torsional constants. 80% of its initial value i.e., it decreases by
(Ans. 9 : 14, 27 : 28) 20%.
HINTS 10. Proceed as in Exercise 4.10 on
page 4.99.
1
4.22 MEASUREMENT OF CURRENT
AND VOLTAGE
Introduction. A galvanometer is a basic
2. rad rad
instrument for electrical measurements. It
is a sensitive current detector. It produces
a deflection proportional to the current
flowing through it. It can be easily
converted into an ammeter for measuring
current and into voltmeter for measuring
= 1.9 ×10-6 Nm rad-1. voltage.
ka
3 r = max Following essential requirements
should be met while converting a

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galvanometer into ammeter or voltmeter : gives full scale deflection

1. Ammeter or voltmeter should be 0-1 = the required current range of the
accurate, reliable and sensitive. ammeter
2. The use of these devices in a circuit S = shunt resistance
must not alter the current in the circuit
I - Ig = current through the shunt.
or the potential difference across any
element in the circuit. As galvanometer and shunt are
connected in parallel, so
4.23 CONVERSION OF A
GALVANOMETER INTO AN P.D. across the galvanometer = P.D.
AMMETER across the shunt
26. Explain how can we convert a
galvanometer into an ammeter of given
range.
Conversion of a galvanometer into an
ammeter. An ammeter is a device used to So by connecting a shunt of resistance
measure current through a circuit element. S across the given galvanometer, we get
To measure current through a circuit an ammeter of desired range. Moreover,
element, an ammeter is connected in
series with that element so that the current
which is to be measured actually passes
through it. In order to ensure that its The deflection in the galvanometer is
insertion in the circuit does not change the proportional to Ig and hence to I. So the
current, an ammeter should have zero scale can be graduated to read the value of
resistance. So ammeter is designed to current I directly.
have very small effective resistance. In Hence an ammeter is a shunted or low
fact, an ideal ammeter should have zero resistance galvanometer. Its effective
resistance. resistance is
An ordinary galvanometer is a sensitive 27. What is a shunt? Mention its important
instrument. It gives full scale deflection with uses. Shunt. A shunt is a low
a small current of few microamperes. To resistance which is connected in
measure large currents with it, a small parallel with a galvanometer (or
resistance is connected in parallel with the ammeter) to protect it from strong
galvanometer coil. The resistance currents.
connected in this way is called a shunt.
Only a small part of the total current passes Uses of shunt:
through the galvanometer and remaining 1. To prevent a galvanometer from being
current passes through the shunt. The damaged due to large current.
value of shunt resistance depends on the
range of the current required to be 2. To convert a galvanometer into
measured. ammeter.
3. To increase the range of an
ammeter.
For Your Knowledge
 Since an ammeter is a parallel
combination of the galvanometer
and the shunt resistance, so its
Fig. 4.96
resistance is even less than that of
Let G = resistance of the galvanometer
the shunt resistance. Moreover, RA
Ig = the current with which galvanometer

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<<G.
 Because of its very small
resistance, an ammeter placed in a
series circuit does not practically
change the current in the circuit to Fig. 4.97
be measured. A galvanometer can be converted into
a voltmeter by connecting a high
 The resistance of an ideal ammeter resistance in series with it. The value of this
is zero. resistance is so adjusted that only current /
which produces full scale deflection in the
 Higher the range of ammeter to be galvanometer, passes through the
prepared from a given galvanometer.
galvanometer, lower is the value of Let
the shunt resistance required for the G = resistance of the galvanometer
purpose. lg = the current with which galvanometer
gives full scale deflection
 The ammeter of lower range has a
0 - V = required range of the voltmeter,
higher resistance than the ammeter and
of higher range. R = the high series resistance which
 The range of an ammeter can be restricts the current to safe limit I.

increased but it cannot be ∴ Total resistance in the circuit = R + G

decreased. By Ohm's law,

otential difference
4.24 CONVERSION OF A
Total resistance
GALVANOMETER INTO A
VOLTMETER Or or
28. Explain how can we convert a
So by connecting a high resistance R in
galvanometer into a voltmeter of given
series with the galvanometer, we get a
range.
voltmeter of desired range. Moreover, the
Conversion of a galvanometer into a deflection in the galvanometer is
voltmeter. A voltmeter is a device for proportional to current Ig and hence to V.
measuring potential difference across any The scale can be graduated to read the
two points in a circuit. It is connected in value of potential difference directly.
parallel with the circuit element across
Hence a voltmeter is a high resistance
which the potential difference is intended to
galvanometer. Its effective resistance is
be measured. As a result, a small part of
the total current passes through the R =R+G>>G
voltmeter and so the current through the
For Your Knowledge
circuit element decreases. This decreases
the potential difference required to be  Since a voltmeter is a series
measured. To avoid this, the voltmeter combination of a galvanometer and a
should be designed to have very high high resistance R, so its resistance is
resistance. In fact, an ideal voltmeter much higher than that of the
should have infinite resistance. galvanometer.
 An ideal voltmeter should have infinite
resistance.
 A voltmeter is placed in parallel with the
circuit element across which the

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

voltage is to be measured. Because of put in a circuit, does it read (slightly) less or

its high resistance, it draws a very small more than the actual current in the original
current and hence the potential circuit? When a voltmeter is put across a
difference across the element remains part of the circuit, does it read (slightly) less
practically unaffected. or more than the original voltage drop?
 Higher the range of voltmeter to be Explain.
prepared from a given galvanometer,
[NCERT ; CBSE D 05]
higher is the value of series high
resistance required for the purpose. Solution, (i) For conversion into
 The voltmeter of lower range has a ammeter :
lower resistance than the voltmeter of Rg = 12 Ω, I = 2.5 mA= 0.0025 A, 1 =7.5 A
higher range.
 The range of voltmeter can be both
increased or decreased.
Examples based on
Conversion of galvanometer into (i)
ammeter and (ii) voltmeter and So by connecting a shunt resistance of
measurement of current and voltage 4.0 × 10-3 Ω in parallel with the
Formulae Used galvanometer, we get an ammeter of range
0 to 7.5 A.
1. For conversion of a galvanometer into
ammeter, the shunt resistance, Net resistance RA is given by

Here

2. Resistance of an ammeter, or

3. For conversion of a galvanometer into When an ammeter is put in a circuit, it

a voltmeter, the value of high series reads slightly less than the actual current in
resistance, the original circuit because a very small
resistance is introduced in the circuit.
Here
(ii) For conversion into voltmeter :
4. Resistance of a voltmeter, Rg =12 Ω, Ig =2.5 × 10-3 A, V = 10V
R =R +R
5. For a galvanometer, = nk
Where n- no. of divisions on the = 4000-12 = 3988 Ω
galvanometer scale k = current required to
produce deflection of one scale division or So by connecting a resistance of 3988
figure of merit of the galvanometer. Ω in series with the galvanometer, we get a
voltmeter of range 0 to 10 V.
Units Used
Net resistance, Ry = (3988 + 12) Ω =
All resistances are in ohm (Ω) and current 4000 Ω
in ampere (A).
Because voltmeter draws small current
Example 87. A galvanometer with a coil of for its deflection, so it reads slightly less
resistance 12.0 Ω shows full scale than the original voltage drop.
deflection for a current 2.5 mA. How will
you convert the meter into : Example 88. A galvanometer with a scale
divided into 100 equal divisions has a
(i) an ammeter of range 0 to 7.5 A (ii) a current sensitivity of 10 divisions per mA
voltmeter of range 0 to 10.0 V ? and a voltage sensitivity of 2 divisions per
Determine the net resistance of the mV. What adoptions are required to read (i)
meter in each case. When an ammeter is 5 A for full scale and (ii) 1 division per volt?

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[IIT]
Solution. As the current sensitivity is
10 div per mA and there are 100 divisions
on the scale, so current required for full (ii) The combined resistance RA of the
scale deflection is ammeter and the shunt is given by
× 100 mA = 10 mA = 10× 10-3A
=0.01 A
As voltage sensitivity is 2 div per mV, or RA =4/25 = 0.16 Ω.
so voltage required for full scale deflection Example 90. In the circuit (Fig. 4.98), the
is current is to be measured. What is the
value of the current if the ammeter shown
× 100 mV = 50 mV = 50 × 10-3V (a) is a galvanometer with a resistance R =
Galvanometer resistance, 60.00 Ω;

(i) For conversion into an ammeter. I =

5A
Fig. 4.98
(b) is a galvanometer described in (a) but
converted to an ammeter by a shunt
So a shunt of 5 / 499 Ω should be resistance Rs =0.02 Ω ; and (c) is an ideal
connected across the galvanometer to ammeter with zero resistance ?
read 5 A for full scale deflection.
[NCERT]
(ii) For conversion into voltmeter. For
reading 1 div per volt, the voltage range Solution, (a) Total resistance in the circuit
should be 100 V because there are 100 = Rg + 3Ω = 60 + 3 = 63 Ω
divisions. V
Current,
∴
(b) Resistance of the galvanometer
converted to an ammeter is
So a resistance of 9995 Ω should be
connected in series with the given
galvanometer to read 1 div per volt.
Rg + Rs 60 + 0.02
Example 89. An ammeter of resistance
0.80 Ω can measure currents upto 1.0 A (i) Total resistance in the circuit
What must be the shunt resistance to
enable the ammeter to measure current
V
upto 5.0 A? (ii) What is the combined Current,
resistance of the ammeter and the shunt?
(c) As the ideal ammeter has zero
resistance, so
[NCERT ; CBSE D 13]
V
Solution. The given ammeter can be Current,
regarded as the galvanometer. Example 91. In a galvanometer there is a
∴ Rg = 0.80 Ω deflection of 10 divisions per mA. The
internal resistance of the galvanometer is
(I) Total current in the circuit, I = 5.0 A 60 Ω. If a shunt of 2.5 Ω is connected to the
The required shunt resistance, galvanometer and there are 50 divisions in

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all, on the scale of galvanometer, what to produce full scale deflection is given by
maximum current can this galvanometer
read?
[CBSE D 01C]
Solution. As the galvanometer has 50 ∴ …
divisions, current required to produce full
scale deflection is When a resistance R is connected in
series,
x 50 mA = 5 mA =0.005 A
...(2)
and s
From equations (1) and (2),
Let I be the maximum current that the
galvanometer can read.

Rg + 5 “ Rg + 1050
or 1.25 R + 1312.5 = 25 R + 125
or m
or 23.75 Rg = 1187.5
Example 92. A galvanometer having a
resistance of 50 Ω gives a full deflection for or
a current of 0.05 A Calculate the length of
Example 94. When a galvanometer having
the shunt wire of 2 mm diameter required
30 divisions scale and 100 Ω resistance is
to convert the galvanometer to an ammeter
connected in series to a battery of emf 3 V
reading current upto 5 A Specific
through a resistance of 200 Ω, shows full
resistance for the material of the wire is 5 ×
scale deflection. Find the figure of merit of
10 7Ω m
the galvanometer in μ
[Punjab 96]
Solution. Here n = 30, Rg =100Ω,
Solution. = 50 Ω, I = 0.05 A, I = 5 A S=3V,
R =200 Ω, k =?
The current required to produce full
scale deflection in the galvanometer is
Now m
mm m
As , so length of required shunt is
As Ig = nk, therefore, the figure of merit is

m
divisions
m m Example 95. The deflection produced in a
galvanometer is reduced to 45 divisions
Example 93. A moving coil galvanometer from 55 when a shunt of 8 Ω is used.
when shunted with a resistance of 5 Ω Calculate the resistance of the
gives a full scale deflection for 250 mA and galvanometer.
when a resistance of 1050 Ω is connected Solution. Without shunt, = I = 55k
in series, it gives a full scale deflection for
25 volt. Find the resistance of the where k is the figure of merit of the
galvanometer and the current required to galvanometer. With shunt,
produce afldl scale deflection when it is
used alone.
Solution. With shunt, current required

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or Rg = 40 Ω.
Example 98. A voltmeter reads 5.0 V at full
When shunt of 8 Ω is used, scale deflection and is graded according to
its resistance per volt at full scale deflection
as 5000 Ω V-1. How will you convert it into a
voltmeter that reads 20 V at full scale
or or 88 = 2 R + 16 deflection? Will it still be graded as 5000
ΩV? Will you prefer this voltmeter to one
that is graded as 2000 ΩV-1?
or
[NCERT ; CBSE D 01C]
Example 96. A galvanometer of resistance
'G' can be converted into a voltmeter of Solution. Resistance per volt is another
range (0-V) volts by connecting a way of specifying the current at full scale
resistance 'R' in series with it. How much deflection. The grading of 5000 ΩV~1 at full
resistance will be required to change its scale deflection means that the current
range from 0 to V/2? required for full scale deflection is

[CBSEOD15C] m
Solution. In first case, In order to convert it into a voltmeter of
range 0 to 20 V, a resistance R has to be
connected in series with it. Then on
applying an extra P.D. of 15 V (20 V - 5 V),
Let R’ be the required resistance to the current through it is again 0.2 mA at full
change the range from 0 to V12. So in scale deflection.
second case,
R × 0.2 × 10-3 = 15
⁄
or
⁄ Thus (i) to convert the given voltmeter
(0 - 5 V range) into a voltmeter of range 0 to
20 V, a resistance of 75,000 Ω should be
connected in series with the given meter.
Hence, (ii) Original resistance of voltmeter
Example 97. A galvanometer can be = 5000 ΩV-1 × 5 V =25,000 Ω ∴ Total
converted into a voltmeter of certain range resistance after conversion
by connecting a resistance of 980 Ω in
= 25,000 + 75,000 = 100,000 Ω
series with it. When the resistance is 470 Ω
connected in series, the range is halved. Resistance per volt of new meter
Find the resistance of the galvanometer.
V
Solution. The current for full scale
deflection of a voltmeter is given by i.e., it has the same grading as before.
(iii) The higher the 'resistance per volt'
of the meter, the lesser is the current it
draws from the circuit and the better it is.
In first case,
So this meter is more accurate than the
⁄ one graded as 2000 ΩV-1.
In second case,
Example 99. A galvanometer having 30
divisions has a current sensitivity of 20 μ J
or
division. It has a resistance of
2 R + 940 = R + 980 20 Ω. How will you convert it into an

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ammeter measuring upto 1 ampere? How Fig. 4.99

will you convert this ammeter into voltmeter
Solution, (i) Resistance of the parallel
reading upto 1 volt?
combination of voltmeter V (400 Ω) and
[Roorkee 87] 100 Ω resistance
Solution. Here n = 30, Rg= 20 Ω
Current sensitivity, k = 20 μ / div
Total resistance in the circuit,
∴ Current required for full-scale deflection
is
Ig = nk = 30 × 20 = 600 μ = 6 × 10-4 A = Current in the circuit,
0.0006 A
(i) For conversion into ammeter . I = 1A
Reading on the voltmeter =P.D. across
s R'

(ii) Total resistance before the voltmeter is

i.e., a shunt of 0.15 Ω should be connected
connected = 100 + 200 =300 Ω
across the galvanometer.
V
(ii) For conversion of resulting ammeter
into voltmeter. The resistance of the
ammeter formed is .D. across 100 Ω resistor =
V
Example 101. A d.c. supply of 120 V is
Current for full scale deflection, connected to a large resistance X. A
voltmeter of resistance 10 k Ω placed in
Voltage range, V = 1 V series in the circuit reads 4 V. What is the
.'. Required series resistance, value of X? What do you think is the
purpose in using a voltmeter, instead of an
ammeter, to determine the large resistance
X?
Example 100. A voltmeter V of resistance [NCERT]
400 Ω is used to measure the potential Solution. Current through voltmeter,
difference across a 100 Ω resistor in the
circuit shown in Fig. 4.99. V
(i) What will be the reading on the
voltmeter?
(ii) Calculate the potential difference
across 100 Ω resistor before the
voltmeter is connected.
[CBSE D 98]
total e.m.f.
Also total resistance

∴
or 4× 10-4X + 4 = 120
or k

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As the current in the circuit is very

small, the ammeter's reading will be too
small to be measured accurately. This is an
unusual use of voltmeter for measuring
very high resistance.
Example 102. A multirange voltmeter can
be constructed by using a galvanometer
circuit as shown in the figure 4.100. We
want to construct a voltmeter that can Solution. Here I = 1 m , G = 10Ω
measure 2 V, 20 V and 200 V using a
galvanometer of resistance 10Ω and that
produces maximum deflection for current
of l mA. Find the value of R1, R2 and R3 that
have to be used.
[Example Problem ; CBSE SP 18] m
m

m
m

m
Fig. 4.100 Example 104. (a) A battery of emf 9 V and
negligible internal resistance is connected
Solution. Here Ig =lmA =10-3 , G = 10Ω to a 3 k Ω resistor. The potential drop
across a part of the resistor (between
But
points A and B in Fig. 4.101) is measured
V by (i) a 20 kΩ voltmeter; (ii) a 1 kΩ
voltmeter. In (iii) both the voltmeters are
connected across AB. In which case would
you get the (1) highest, (2) lowest reading?
V

k
V

k
Example 103. A multirange currentmeter Fig. 4.101
can be constructed by using a
(b) Do your answers to this problem
galvanometer circuit as shown in the
alter if the potential drop across the entire
figure. We want a currentmeter that can
resistor is measured? What if the battery
measure 10 mA, 100 mA and 1A using a
has non-negligible resistance?
galvanometer of resistance 10Ω and that
produces maximum deflection for current [NCERT]
of l mA. Find S1, S2 and S3 that have to be
Solution, (a) The voltmeter, which has
used. [Example Problem]
maximum resistance, will draw minimum
current and allow maximum current to flow
through resistor AB. Consequently, there
will be maximum potential difference
across AB.

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In case (i), resistance of voltmeter, the circuit (b) is suitable only for the
measurement of the small resistance X.
Rv =20 kΩ
We can justify the above arguments
In case (ii), Ry = 1 k Ω
quantitatively as follows :
In case (iii), or (i) Measurement of X. Let X = 5 Ω. In
k circuit (a), the ammeter reading is I, and
the voltmeter reading is I, (X + 0.5).
(1) As the resistance of voltmeter is Voltmeter reading
maximum in case (i), it will show
maximum reading. mmeter reading

(2) As the resistance of voltmeter is

minimum in case (iii), it will show lowest
reading.
(b) In all cases, the voltmeter reading
will be same if the battery has negligible
internal resistance. But if the internal
resistance is non-negligible, then the
answers will be similar to those in (a).
Example 105. You are given two resistors Fig. 4.103
X and Y whose resistances are to be
determined using an ammeter of With circuit (a), the error in the
resistance 0.5 Ω and a voltmeter of measurement of X is 0.5 Ω.
resistance 20 kΩ. It is known that X is in the In circuit (b), the ammeter reading is I
range of a few ohms, while Y is the range and the voltmeter reading is XI1, (=20,000
of several thousand ohms. In each case, I2).
which of the two connections shown in Fig.
Clearly,
4.102 would you choose for resistance
measurement? Justify your answer
quantitatively. [NCERT]
Voltmeter reading

mmeter reading

Solution. In circuit (a), the voltmeter V

will measure the sum of the potential drops
across the resistance and the ammeter. With circuit (b), the error in the
The value of the resistance determined measurement of X is 0.0013 Ω. This error
from these calculations will include the is much smaller than that obtained by using
resistance of the ammeter. This will not be circuit (a). Hence for measuring a
desirable if resistance is very small. So the resistance of few ohms, the circuit (b)
circuit (a) is suitable only for measurement should be used.
of large resistance Y.
(ii) Measurement of Y. Let Y = 20,000
In circuit (b), the ammeter will read the Ω. In circuit (a), we get
sum of currents flowing through the
resistance and the voltmeter V. The value Voltmeter reading
of the resistance obtained by these mmeter reading
calculations will be less than the actual
value. The difference will increase with the
The error in the measurement of Y is 5 Ω.
increase in the value of the resistance. So

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In circuit (b), we get across its terminals. Calculate the

Voltmeter reading resistance of the shunt if the current of
10 A is to be measured by it. The
mmeter reading galvanometer has 25 divisions.
( ns. 0.01 Ω)
6. A galvanometer of resistance 40 Ω
gives a deflection of 5 divisions per mA.
There are 50 divisions on the scale.
Calculate the maximum current that
= 10,000 Ω can pass through it when a shunt
resistance of 2 Ω is connected. [IIT]
The error in the measurement of Y is
10/100 Ω, which is much larger than error (Ans. 210 mA)
obtained by using circuit (a). Hence for 7. It is intended to measure a maximum
measuring large resistance of several current of 25 A with an ammeter of
thousand ohms, the circuit (a) should be range 2.5 A and resistance 0.9 Ω. How
used. will you do it? What will be the
Problems for Practice combined resistance?

1. A galvanometer has a resistance of 96 ( ns. 0.1 Ω in parallel, 0.09 Ω)

Ω and it is desired to pass 4% of the 8. A galvanometer has a resistance of
total current through it. Calculate the 100 Ω. difference of potential of 1.0 V
value of shunt resistance. ( ns. 4 Ω) between its terminals gives a full scale
2. A galvanometer has a resistance of 50 deflection. Calculate the shunt
Ω. resistance of 5 Ω is connected resistance which will enable the
across its terminals. What part of the instrument to read upto 2 A. (Ans.
total current will flow through the 0.5 Ω)
galvanometer? 9. resistance of 900 Ω is connected in
[Haryana 01] series with a galvanometer of
resistance 100 Ω. potential difference
(Ans. 1/11) of 1V produces a deflection of 100
3. How will you convert 1 mA full scale divisions in the galvanometer. Find the
deflection meter of resistance 100 figure of merit of the galvanometer.
ohms into an ammeter to read 1 A (full (Ans. 10-5 A div-1)
scale deflection) and into a voltmeter to 10. A galvanometer has a sensitivity of 60
read 1 volt (full scale deflection). divisions per ampere. When a shunt is
[CBSE D 93C ; Punjab 97] used, its sensitivity becomes 10
divisions per ampere. What is the value
( ns. 0.1 Ω in parallel, 900 Ω in series) of the shunt used if the resistance of
4. A moving coil galvanometer of the galvanometer is 20 Ω? (Ans.
resistance 10 Ω produces full scale 4Ω)
deflection, when a current of 25 mA is 11. shunt of 6 Ω is connected across a
passed through it. Describe showing galvanometer of resistance 294 Ω. Find
full calculations, how will you convert the fraction of the total current passing
the galvanometer into (i) a voltmeter through the galvanometer.
reading upto 120 V and (ii) an ammeter
reading upto 20 A.[ISCE 94] (Ans. 1/50)

( ns. 4790 Ω in series, 0.0125 Ω in 12. It is required to pass only one-tenth of

parallel) the main current through a
galvanometer having a resistance of 27
5. A galvanometer of resistance 20 Ω Ω. Calculate the length of the wire of
gives a deflection of one division when specific resistance 48 × 10-6Ω cm and
a potential difference of 4 mV is applied

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area of cross-section 0.2 mm2 required reading on the voltmeter? (Ans. 11.52
to make a shunt for this purpose. V)
HINTS
(Ans. 1.25 m)
13. A galvanometer gives a full scale 1.
deflection with a current of 1 A. It is
converted into ammeter of range 10 A.
2. As or
Find the ratio of the resistance of the
ammeter to the resistance of the shunt
3 (i) For conversion into ammeter :
used. (Ans. 9:10)
m
14. A galvanometer has a resistance of 8
Ω. It gives a full scale deflection for a
current of 10 mA. It is to be converted
into an ammeter of range 5 A. The only
shunt resistance available is of 0.02 Ω,
which is not suitable for this
conversion. Find the value of = 0.1Ω.
resistance R that must be connected in (ii) For conversion into voltmeter :
series with the galvanometer (Fig.
4.104) to get ammeter of desired V
range. ( ns. 1.98 Ω)
15. The circuit shown in Fig. 4.105 is used
to measure the resistance R. The
ammeter reads 0.13 A and the 4. For conversion into voltmeter :
voltmeter reads 117 V. The resistance
of the ammeter is 0.015 Ω and that of
the voltmeter is 9000 Ω. Find the value
of R. ( ns. 1000 Ω) For conversion into ammeter :
16. The scale of a galvanometer is divided
into 150 equal divisions. The
galvanometer has the current
mV
sensitivity of 10 divisions per mA and 5. m
the voltage sensitivity of 2 divisions per
mV. How the galvanometer can be
designed to read (i) 6 A division-1 and
(ii) 1 V per division-1? [Roorkee 99]
[Ans. (i) 8.33 × 10- 5 Ω in parallel (ii) 9995 Ω 6. m
in series] ∴ Maximum current,
17. Two resistance coils of 100 Ω and 200
Ω respectively are connected in series m
across 100 V. A moving coil voltmeter
of 200 Ω is connected in turn across 7. To convert an ammeter of lower current
each coil. What will it read in each range to higher current range, a shunt
case? has to be connected across it. The
(Ans. 25 V, 50 V) shunt resistance is

18. A battery of emf 12 V and internal

s
resistance 1.2 Ω supplies a current
through a coil of resistance 48 Ω.
Combined resistance,
voltmeter of resistance 72 Ω is used to
measure the potential difference
across the coil. What would be the

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8. Current through the resistance

R = 0.13-0.013 = 0.117 A
Resistance,
V
9. or

Or 16. m

Current sensitivity mV V

div
div
10. Here I ∞ 60 and I 10
(i) Required current range, 7 = 6 × 150 =
and 900 A

S or s
(ii) Required voltage range, V = 1 × 150 =
11. or 2% of the 150 V.
total current passes through the
galvanometer.
( ) 17. Proceed as in Example 100 on page
12. S 4.68.

m 18. Here = 12 V, r = 1.2Ω, R = 48Ω, RV =

m 72Ω The combined resistance of the
m parallel combination of R and Rv will be
13.

Resistance of the ammeter formed,

Current in the circuit,
s
⁄
s g g g

⁄
Reading of the voltmeter
⁄
= IR =0.4 x28.8 = 11.52 V.
14. P.D. across the series combination
of G and R = P.D. across the shunt S VERY SHORT ANSWER CONCEPTUAL
PROBLEMS
Ig(Rg + R) = (I- Ig) Rs
Problem 1. In what respect does a
0.01 (8 + R) = (5 - 0.01) × 0.02 = 4.99 × wire carrying a current differ from a
0.02 wire, which carries no current?
[Punjab 96]
Solution. A current carrying wire
or R = 9.98-8 = 1.98 Ω. produces a magnetic field around it. On the
15. Current through the voltmeter other hand, no magnetic field is associated
with a wire that carries no current.
V
Problem 2. Is the source of magnetic

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

field an analogue to the source of

electric field ? [Haryana 92]
Solution. No. The source of electric i.e., magnetic field becomes four times the
field is an electric charge. The source of original field.
magnetic field is not a magnetic charge.
Instead, moving electric charges produce Problem 6. Consider the circuit
magnetic field. shown where APB and AQB are
semicircles. What will be the magnetic
Problem 3. How can it be shown that field at the centre C of the circular loop?
an electric current in a wire produces a
magnetic field around it?
[CBSE D 95]
Solution. Bring a magnetic needle near
the current carrying wire. The magnetic
field produced by the electric current will
deflect the magnetic needle from
equilibrium position in the north-south
direction.
Problem 4. State Biot-Savart law and
express this law in vector form. Fig. 4.106
[CBSE OD 17] Solution. Magnetic field at the centre C
due to the semicircular part APB,
Solution. According to Biot-Savart law,
the magnetic field due to a current element directed normally inward
I dl at the observation point whose position
vector is r depends (i) directly on current Magnetic field at the centre C due to
the semicircular part AQB,
I, (ii) directly on length dl of the element, (iii)
directly on the sine of the angle between dl , directed normally outward 4πα
and r and (iv) inversely on the square of the
distance r. As the two fields are equal and
opposite, the net magnetic field at the
Its magnitude is centre C is zero.
⃗⃗⃗⃗ Problem 7. Figure 4.107 shows a
In vector form, dB =⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ square loop made from a uniform wire.
If a battery is connected between the
where μ 0 is the permeability of free space.
points A and C, what will be the
The direction of dB is perpendicular to the
magnetic field at the centre of the
plane of dl and r and is given by right hand
square?
screw rule.
Problem 5. How will the magnetic
field intensity at the centre of a circular
coil carrying current change, if the
current through the coil is doubled and
the radius of the coil is halved?
[CBSE OD 01]
Solution. Magnetic field at the centre of
a circular coil is given by Fig. 4.107
Solution. Current I divides equally at A.
Magnetic fields due to the currents in wires
AD and BC will be equal and opposite.
When current 1 is doubled and radius R Also, the fields due to currents in wires AB
is halved, and DC will be equal and opposite. Hence
the resultant field at the centre will be zero.

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Problem 8. Looking at the circular stationary charge when placed in a

coil, the current is found to be flowing magnetic field. Why?
in anticlockwise direction. Predict the
[Haryana Sample Paper 91 ; Punjab 01]
direction of magnetic field produced at
a point on the axis of the coil on the Solution. A stationary charge does not
same side as the observer. produce any magnetic field and so it does
not suffer any interaction against the
Solution. By clock rule, the magnetic
external magnetic field. Moreover,
field has N polarity at the given point. Thus
the direction of the magnetic field is F = qvB sin θ = q (0) B sin θ = 0.
perpendicular to the plane of the coil and is Problem 14. Write the expression for
directed towards the observer. Lorentz magnetic force on the particle
Problem 9. A current is set up in a of charge 'q' moving with velocity in a
long copper pipe. Is there a magnetic magnetic field ⃗ . Show that no work is
field (i) inside (ii) outside the pipe? done by this force on the charged
[CBSE D 95C] particle. [CBSE OD 11]

Solution, (i) The magnetic field is zero Solution. Lorentz magnetic force,
inside the pipe. (ii) A finite magnetic field ⃗
exists outside the pipe.
As the magnetic force acts in a
Problem 10. What is the basic direction perpendicular to the direction of
difference between magnetic field and the velocity or the direction of motion of
electric field ? [Punjab 02] the charged particle, so work done is zero.
Solution. Whether a charged particle is W= ⃗⃗⃗⃗ = Fds cos 90°= 0
at rest or in motion, an electric field always
exerts a force on it and changes its speed Problem 15. A charged particle in a
and hence its kinetic energy. A magnetic plasma trapped in a 'magnetic bottle'
field exerts a force on a charged particle leaks out after a millisecond. What is
only when it is in motion. In a magnetic the total work done by the magnetic
field, there is no change in the speed or the field during the time the particle is
kinetic energy of the charged particle. trapped?

Problem 11. The force F experienced Solution. Work done is zero. Since a
by a particle of charge q moving with magnetic field exerts force perpendicular to
the direction of motion of the charged
velocity in magnetic field ⃗ is given
particle, no work is done by it on the
by ⃗ . Which pairs of vectors
charged particle.
are always at right angles to each
other? [CBSE D 93C] Problem 16. A particle of mass 'm'
and charge 'q' moving with velocity ‘v’
Solution. The vector is perpendicular enters the region of uniform magnetic
to the plane of and ⃗ . Hence the field at right angle to the direction of its
⃗
pairs and ; and and are always at motion. How does its kinetic energy get
right angles to each other. affected? [CBSE D 15C]
Problem 12. In a chamber of uniform Solution. K.E. of the particle is not
magnetic field ⃗ , an electron beam affected because no work is done by the
enters with velocity . Write the perpendicular magnetic force acting on it.
expression for the force experienced by Problem 17. An electron moving with
the electron. a velocity of 107 ms-1 enters a uniform
[CBSE D 93C ; Haryana 02] magnetic field of 1T, along a direction
parallel to the field. What would be its
Solution. ⃗ , because the trajectory in this field?
charge on an electron is - e.
[CBSE Sample Paper 98]
Problem 13. No force is exerted by a

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

Solution. The electron will continue to particle affected?

follow its straight path because a parallel
[CBSE F 94]
magnetic field does not exert any force on
the electron. Solution. Magnetic force deflects the
charged particle continuously from its path,
Problem 18. In a certain
so its momentum changes due to the
arrangement, a proton (or an electron)
change in its direction of motion.
does not get deflected while moving
through a magnetic field region. Under Problem 23. Which one of the
what condition is it possible? following will experience maximum
force, when projected with the same
[CBSE OD 09]
velocity v perpendicular to the magnetic
Solution. Magnetic force on an electron or field : (i) α-particle, and (ii) β-particle ?
a proton is Fm = evB sin θ
When θ = 0° or 180°, F = 0 [CBSE D 02C]
Thus a proton or an electron moving Solution. Force, F = qvB sin 90° = qvB
parallel or antiparallel to a magnetic field
For α-particle, q = 2e, Fa = 2 evB
does not experience any force.
For β-particle, q = e, Fβ = evB
Problem 19. Under what condition is
the force acting on a charge moving Thus the α-particle will experience
through a uniform magnetic field maximum force.
maximum? Problem 24. Which one of the
[Himachal 02 ; CBSE D 07] following will describe the smallest
circle when projected with the same
Solution. Fm = qvB sin θ
velocity v perpendicular to the magnetic
When θ = 90°, F is maximum. Thus a field B : (i) α-particle, and (π) β-particle
charge experiences maximum force when ?
it moves perpendicular to the direction of
[CBSE D 02C]
the magnetic field.
Problem 20. Under what condition is Solution. Radius,
the force acting on a charge moving
through a uniform magnetic field
minimum?
[Haryana 02 ; CBSE OD 05 ; D 07]
Solution. When θ = 0° or 180°,
Thus β-particle will describe the circle
Fm = qvB sin θ = qvB (0) = 0. of smallest radius.
So when a charge moves parallel or Problem 25. An electron does not
antiparallel to the direction of the magnetic suffer any deflection while passing
field, it experiences minimum (zero) force. through a region. Are you definite there
Problem 21. A positive charge is is no magnetic field in that region?
moving vertically upwards. when it [Punjab 94 ; Himachal 02]
enters a region of magnetic field
directed towards north, what is the Solution. No. It may be possible that
direction of force on the charge? the magnetic field is present but the
electron is moving parallel or anti-parallel
Solution. According to Fleming's left to the magnetic field and magnetic force (F
hand rule, the magnetic force will act = qv Bsin θ, θ = 0°, 180°) is zero.
towards left.
Problem 26. A beam of protons on
Problem 22. A charged particle passing through a region in space is
moves through a region of uniform deflected sidewise. How would you be
magnetic field. Is the momentum of the

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

able to tell which of the two fields Solution. Radius,

(electric or magnetic) has caused the
deflection? For same v and B,
Solution. If the path of the proton beam
is parabolic, the deflection is due to electric
field. If the path is circular or helical, the
deflection is due to magnetic field.
Problem 27. As shown in Fig. 4.108, a Problem 30. An electron and a proton
charged particle enters a uniform are moving along the same direction
magnetic field and experiences an with the same kinetic energy. When
upward force as indicated. What is the they pass through a uniform magnetic
charge sign on the particle? field perpendicular to the direction of
their motion, they describe paths of the
[CBSE D 03C, 05] same radius. Is this statement true or
Solution. Applying Fleming's left hand false?
rule, we find that the particle has a positive [IIT 85]
charge.
Solution. False. Radius,

√
√

For same kinetic energy √

Electrons, being lighter, will describe
circular path of smaller radius.
Problem 31. Uniform electric and
magnetic fields are produced pointing
Fig. 4.108
in the same direction. An electron is
Problem 28. Two protons P and Q projected in the direction of the fields.
moving with the same speed enter What will be the effect on the kinetic
magnetic fields B1 and B2 respectively energy of the electron due to the two
at right angles to the field directions. If fields.
B2 is greater than B1, for which of the
[CBSE D 92C]
protons P and Q, the circular path in the
magnetic field will have a smaller Solution. Since the magnetic field
radius? exerts a perpendicular force on the
electron, it does no work and so does not
[CBSE OD 98]
change the kinetic energy of the electron.
Solution. Radius, The electric field exerts a retarding force
⃗ on the electron and hence
As B2> B1, so r2 < r1. Thus the proton Q reduces its kinetic energy.
moving through the greater field B2 will
have circular path of smaller radius. Problem 32. What will be the path of
a charged particle moving in a region of
Problem 29. A proton and an alpha crossed (or transverse) uniform
particle of the same velocity enter in electrostatic and magnetic fields with
turn a region of uniform magnetic field, initial velocity zero?
acting perpendicular to their direction
of motion. Deduce the ratio of the radii Solution. Cycloid (e.g., the path of a
of the circular paths described by the point on the rim of moving wheel) with its
particles. forward motion normal to both E and B.

[CBSE D 2000, 01C] Problem 33. Can we accelerate

neutrons by a cyclotron? Give reason.

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are often twisted together to reduce

magnetic effect. What is the basis for
[Himachal 98C]
this procedure?
Solution. No, neutrons are electrically
Solution. Two equal and opposite
neutral. They cannot be accelerated by
currents produce equal and opposite
electric fields or deflected by magnetic
magnetic fields, so their magnetic effects
fields.
get cancelled.
Problem 34. Why is a cyclotron not
Problem 39. Two parallel wires
suitable for accelerating electrons?
carrying currents in the same direction
attract each other, while the two beams
[Punjab 02 ; Haryana 97] of electrons travelling in the same
Solution. Electrons are very light direction repel each other. Give reason.
particles. Even a small increase in the
energy of the electron increases its speed [Punjab 95]
to a very large value. Due to the high
Solution. In case of parallel wires, only
speed, the electrons get quickly out of step
attractive magnetic interaction acts. In
with the oscillating electric field. Moreover,
case of electron beams, the electrostatic
these light particles require unusually high
repulsion is stronger than the attractive
frequencies (GHz).
magnetic interaction.
Problem 35. The frequency of
Problem 40. A stream of protons is
revolution of a charged particle in a
moving parallel to a stream of
cyclotron does not depend on the
electrons. Do the two streams tend to
speed of the particle. Why?
come closer or move apart?
Solution. The radius of the circular path
Solution. The behaviour of the two
of the charged particle increases in direct
streams depends on their speeds. If they
proportion to its speed. Consequently, both
have large speeds, they will move apart
its time period and frequency of revolution
because the repulsive magnetic interaction
are independent of its speed.
is stronger than the attractive electrostatic
Problem 36. What are the main interaction. If they have small speeds, they
functions of electric and magnetic will come closer because repulsive
fields in a cyclotron? magnetic interaction is weaker than the
Solution, (i) The electric field attractive electrostatic interaction.
accelerates the charged particle whenever Problem 41. An electron beam
it crosses the gap between the two dees. moving with uniform velocity is
(ii) The magnetic field makes the gradually diverging. As it is accelerated
to a high velocity, it starts converging.
charged particle to cross the gap between
the two dees again and again by providing Why does it happen so?
it a circular motion. Solution. When the electron beam has
Problem 37. Why does a current a low velocity, the electrostatic repulsion
carrying conductor experience a force between the electrons is stronger than the
in a magnetic field? magnetic attraction between them. So the
beam diverges. When the velocity
Solution. When a current flows, free becomes high, the magnetic attraction
electrons drift in the conductor in a definite between the electrons becomes stronger
direction. These moving electrons than electrostatic repulsion and the beam
experience a force in the magnetic field converges.
which gets transmitted to the conductor as
a whole. Problem 42. Why does a solenoid
contract when a current is passed
Problem 38. In electronics, two wires through it?
carrying equal and opposite currents
Solution. The current in adjacent turns

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of the solenoid flows in the same direction. Solution. A galvanometer in which coil
So different turns attract one another and comes to rest at once, without suffering
the solenoid contracts. oscillations, on passing current through it is
called a dead beat galvanometer.
Problem 43. Does the torque on a
planar current loop in a magnetic field Problem 49. A neutron, an electron and
change, when its shape is changed an alpha particle moving with equal
without changing its area? velocities, enter a uniform magnetic field
going into the plane of the paper as shown
Solution. No. The torque on a planar
in Fig. 4.109(a). Trace their paths in the
current loop remains same as long as its
field and justify your answer.
area remains unchanged.
[CBSE D 16]
Problem 44. Why do we prefer
phosphor-bronze alloy for the
suspension wire of a moving coil
galvanometer?
Solution. The phosphor bronze alloy is
used for the suspension wire of a moving
coil galvanometer because of its following
properties :
(i) Small restoring torque per unit twist. Solution. Neutrons, being neutral, are
This makes galvanometer highly not deflected by the magnetic field. Alpha
sensitive. particles and electrons will tend to move
along circular paths in opposite directions
(ii) High tensile strength so that even thin as shown in Fig. 4.109(b), in accordance
fibre does not break under the weight of with Fleming's left hand rule.
the suspended coil.
Problem 50. Why is the coil wrapped on
(iii) Rust resisting. a conducting frame in a galvanometer?
Problem 45. What is the main Solution. Eddy currents set up in the
function of soft iron cylinder between conducting frame help in bringing the coil
the poles of a galvanometer? to rest at once i.e., help in making the
Solution. Due to the high permeability galvanometer dead beat.
of soft iron, the magnetic lines of force Problem 51 Why the earth's magnetic
crowd through the soft iron core. This field does not affect the working of a
increases the magnetic field and hence moving coil galvanometer?
sensitivity of the galvanometer.
Solution. This is because the earth's
Problem 46. Why are pole pieces of magnetic field is much weaker than the
galvanometer made concave? [Haryana strong radial magnetic field used in the
93, 94] galvanometer.
Solution. Concave poles produce Problem 52. Two wires of equal lengths
strong, uniform and radial magnetic field. are bent in the form of two loops. One of
Problem 47. What is the importance the loops is square shaped whereas the
of radial magnetic field in a moving coil other loop is circular. These are suspended
galvanometer? in a uniform magnetic field and the same
current is passed through them. Which
Solution. Radial magnetic field makes loop will experience greater torque? Give
the arm of the couple fixed and hence the reasons.
torque on the coil is always same in all
positions of the coil in the magnetic field. [CBSE OD 05]
This provides a linear current scale. Solution. For a wire of given length,
Problem 48. What is a dead beat area of the circular loop > area of the
galvanometer? square loop

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So the circular loop will experience Solution. An ammeter is connected in

greater torque in the magnetic field series in a circuit so that whole of the
because, torque area of the loop. current, which it is required to measure,
passes through it. In order that its insertion
Problem 53. What is a shunt? State its
in the circuit does not affect the current in
SI unit.
the circuit, the ammeter must have least
[Haryana 96 ; Punjab 99] possible resistance.
Solution. A shunt means a small Problem 58. Why should the resistance
resistance connected in parallel with any of an ideal voltmeter be infinite?
component of an electrical circuit.
Solution. A voltmeter is connected in
However, it commonly refers to a low
parallel with the component across which
resistance connected in parallel to a
the p.d. is required to be measured. The
galvanometer. Its SI unit is ohm (Ω).
voltmeter must have very high resistance
• roblem 54. How can a moving coil so that a very small current passes through
galvanometer be converted into an it and the p.d. across that component is not
ammeter? affected. To measure the exact value of
[Himachal 98 ; Punjab 2000 ; CBSE OD 01] p.d., an ideal voltmeter has to have infinite
resistance.
Solution. A galvanometer is converted
into an ammeter by connecting a low Problem 59. Why is an ammeter
resistance R$ (shunt) in parallel with the connected in series in a circuit?
galvanometer. If the full scale deflection of [CBSE OD 16]
the galvanometer occurs for current and
Solution. An ammeter is connected in
ammeter is to have range 0 -V, then IR series in a circuit so that whole of the
current, which it is required to measure,
passes through it. Moreover, an ammeter
has a low resistance, so its insertion in the
Problem 55. How can a moving coil series circuit does not practically change
galvanometer be converted into a the main current.
voltmeter?
Problem 60. Why is a voltmeter always
[Himachal 01 ; Punjab 99 ; CBSE OD 01] connected in parallel with a circuit element
Solution. A galvanometer is converted across which voltage is to be measured?
into a voltmeter by connecting a high
resistance R in series with it. If the full scale [CBSE OD 16]
deflection of galvanometer occurs for a
current Ig and the voltmeter is to have a Solution. A voltmeter is a high
range 0 - V, then resistance galvanometer. When it is
connected in parallel across any element
Problem 56. What information would of a circuit, it draws a very small current
you wish to know about the galvanometer from the main circuit. Most of the current
before converting it into an ammeter or passes through that element. Hence
voltmeter? potential difference across that component
Solution. For converting galvanometer is not affected materially.
into ammeter or voltmeter, we must know : Problem 61. What happens when an
(i) Resistance of the galvanometer ( ). ammeter is placed in parallel with a circuit?

(ii) Current ( ) required to produce full Solution. An ammeter is a low

resistance device. When it is placed in
scale deflection in the galvanometer.
parallel with a circuit, the resistance
Problem 57. Why should an ammeter decreases and current in the circuit
have a low resistance? increases to a large extent. Moreover, it
measures the current flowing through it
[Haryana 02]
only and not the current in the circuit.

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Problem 62. What happens when a resistance is smaller than that of the
voltmeter is connected in series in a galvanometer. The voltmeter is obtained
circuit? by connecting a high resistance in series
with the galvanometer, so its resistance is
Solution. A voltmeter is a high
higher than that of the galvanometer.
resistance device, when it is connected in
series with a circuit, the resistance of the Problem 67. A galvanometer is first
circuit becomes very high and the current converted into a voltmeter of range 0 - 3 V
in the circuit reduces to a very small value. and then into a voltmeter of range 0 - 6 V.
So voltmeter will not measure the actual In which case the resistance would be
value of potential difference. Moreover, the higher one?
voltmeter connected this way will not read
Solution. The voltmeter with range 0 - 6
the p.d. that we wish to measure across
V will have a higher resistance. This is
any particular component.
because a higher range voltmeter requires
Problem 63. A galvanometer gives full a higher resistance to be put in series with
scale deflection with the current . Can it the galvanometer.
be converted into an ammeter of range I < Problem 68. An ammeter and a
? milliammeter are converted from the same
Solution. The required value of shunt is galvanometer. Out of the two, which
current measuring instrument has a higher
given by g
resistance?
For I < , the above formula gives a [CBSE OD 02]
negative value for Rs. Solution. Milliammeter has higher
Hence it cannot be converted into an resistance because an ammeter requires a
ammeter of range I < Ig. shunt of smaller resistance.
Problem 64. Can we Problem 69. A voltmeter and a
increase/decrease the range of an millivoltmeter are converted from the same
ammeter? galvanometer. Out of the two, which
potential difference measuring device has
Solution. We can only increase the a higher resistance?
range of ammeter by connecting a suitable
resistance in parallel with the ammeter. We Solution. Voltmeter has a higher
cannot decrease the range of the ammeter resistance because it requires a larger
because for I < , the value of shunt resistance to be put in series with the
resistance becomes negative. galvanometer.

Problem 65. Can we Problem 70 One voltmeter has a

increase/decrease the range of a resistance of 1000 Ω and another voltmeter
voltmeter? has a resistance of 4000 Ω. Which one of
the two will you prefer to measure a
Solution. Yes. The range of a voltmeter potential difference across a resistance of
can be increased by connecting a suitable 500 Ω?
resistance in series with it. Its range can be
decreased by connecting a suitable Solution. The voltmeter of resistance
resistance in parallel with it. 4000 Ω is preferred because it draws very
small current as compared to the voltmeter
Problem 66. Which one has the lowest of resistance 1000 Ω, when connected
and which one has the highest resistance : across the resistance of 500 Ω.
ammeter, a voltmeter or a galvanometer ?
Problem 71. When an ammeter is put in
Solution. Ammeter has the lowest a circuit, does it read slightly less or more
resistance and voltmeter has the highest than the actual current in the circuit? Give
resistance. Since an ammeter is obtained reason.
by connecting a small resistance in parallel
with the galvanometer, the effective Solution. An ammeter reads slightly

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less than the actual current. It has a small ammeter or a milliammeter, has a higher
resistance. When it is connected in a resistance and why?
circuit, it decreases the current slightly.
[CBSE OD 06]
Problem 72. When a voltmeter is put
across a part of the circuit, does it read Solution. Shunt resistance, s
slightly less or more than the actual voltage
drop across that part? Give reason. Clearly, the shunt needed to convert
galvanometer into a milliammeter has a
Solution. Voltmeter reads slightly less larger value than that required to convert
than the actual voltage drop. When it is into an ammeter. As the shunt resistance is
connected across a part of the circuit, it connected in parallel with the
draws some current from that part. As a galvanometer, so the milliammeter will
result, potential drop across that part have a higher resistance than the
slightly decreases. ammeter.
Problem 73. Which one of the two, an

SHORT AMSWER CONCEPTUAL PROBLEMS

Problem 1. Obtain the dimensional
formula of (i) ε0 (permittivity of vacuum) and
(ii) μ0 (permeability of vacuum) in terms of Magnetic field produced at the centre of
mass M, length L, time T and electric the coil due to current I,
current I.
[IIT 98]
Solution. (i) According to Coulomb's
law of electrostatics, As the current flows clockwise
throughout coil, the direction of the
magnetic field will be out of the plane of the
coil.
∴ Problem 3. A length of wire carries a
steady current. It is bent first to form a
circular plane coil of one turn. The same
length is now bent more sharply to give a
(ii) Force per unit length between two double loop of smaller radius. When the
infinitely long parallel current carrying same current is passed, find the ratio of the
conductors is magnetic field at the centre with its first
value.
Solution. Let l be the length of the wire.
LT L
When the wire is bent in the form of one
I II L turn circular coil,

LT I J or
Problem 2. A wire of length L is bent
round in the form of a coil having N turns of
same radius. If a steady current I flows
through it in a clockwise direction, find the When the wire is bent in form of two-turn
magnitude and direction of the magnetic coil,
field produced at its centre. [CBSE F 09]
Solution. If r is the radius of the coil, or
then
∴

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clockwise and in Q is anti-clockwise as

seen from O which is equidistant from
the loops P and Q. Find the magnitude
Problem 4. Two identical circular loops, of the net magnetic field at O.
P and Q, each of radius r and carrying
currents I and 21 respectively are lying in Solution.
parallel planes such that they have a
common axis. The direction of current in
both the loops is clockwise as seen from O
which is equidistant from the both loops.
Find the magnitude of the net magnetic
field at point O. [CBSE D 12]

Fig. 4.113

⃗ ⃗
⁄
√
The net magnetic field at O is
Fig. 4.110 ⃗ ⃗ ⃗
Solution. √ √
(Pointing towards P) Problem 6. Two
small identical circular loops, marked (1)
and (2), carrying equal currents, are placed
with the geometrical axes perpendicular to
each other as shown in Fig. 4.114. Find the
magnitude and direction of the net
magnetic field produced at the point O.
Fig. 4.111 [CBSE D 05, 08]

⃗ ⁄ (Pointing towards
√
P)
⃗ ⁄ (Pointing
√
towards Q)
Net field at O is
⃗ ⃗ ⃗ (Pointing
√
towards Q) Fig. 4.114
Problem 5. Two identical circular loops, Solution. The fields produced by the
P and Q, each of radius r and carrying two coils are shown in Fig. 4.115.
currents are kept in the parallel planes
having a common axis passing through

Fig. 4.112
O. The direction of current in P is
Fig. 4.115

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Magnetic field at O due to each loop is

⃗ ⃗ Hence the magnetic field at the centre

⁄
of the electron orbit is
As ⃗ ⃗ , so the net field at O is

√
√ ⁄ Problem 9. Describe qualitatively the
path of a charged particle moving in :
√
For (a) a uniform electrostatic field, with initial
Problem 7. Figure 4.116 shows a cube velocity
made from a uniform wire. Find the (i) parallel to the field,
magnetic field at the centre of the cube, if a
battery is connected between the points A (ii) perpendicular to the field,
and G. (iii) at an arbitrary angle with the field
direction.
(b) a uniform magnetic field, with initial
velocity
(i) parallel to (or along) the field, [CBSE
OD 95]
(ii) perpendicular to the field,
[CBSE D 93]
(iii) at an arbitrary angle with the field.
Fig. 4.116 [CBSE F 93]
Solution. Consider the conducting pairs (c) a region with uniform electrostatic and
AB and HG, AE and CG, AD and EG, BF magnetic fields parallel to each other,
and DH, EF and CD, EH and BC. The with initial velocity
currents in the two conductors of each pair
produce equal and opposite magnetic (i) parallel,
fields at the centre. Hence the resultant (ii) perpendicular,
magnetic field at the centrh will be zero.
(iii) at an arbitrary angle with the common
Problem 8. An electron revolves in a direction of the fields.
circular orbit of radius r with angular speed
cα Using the expression for the magnetic Solution, (a) (i) The particle will move along
the line of force of the electrostatic field
field due to a circular current loop, deduce
and hence its path will be a straight
an expression for the magnetic field at the
line.
centre of the electron orbit.
(ii) When the initial velocity is
Solution. Magnetic field at the centre of
a circular current loop is perpendicular to the electrostatic field,
the charged particle will follow a
parabolic path.
(iii) Again the path of charged particle will
Period of revolution of the electron, be parabolic. The initial velocity of the
charged particle has two components.
The component parallel to the field will
make it move along the field while the
The motion of the electron in a circular
perpendicular component will make it
orbit is equivalent to a current loop carrying
move along a parabolic path.
current,
(b) (i) Parallel magnetic field does not exert

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any force on the moving charged kinetic energy of the particle in

particle. So the particle will follow a both cases.
straight path. (ii) [CBSE OD 07C]
(ii) Magnetic field exerts a force on the Solution, (i) The parallel magnetic field
charged particle perpendicular to both does not exert any force on the moving
the magnetic field and its direction of charged particle. Hence there is no change
motion. This force provides centripetal in the velocity or the kinetic energy of the
force to make the particle move in a charged particle.
circle in a plane normal to the magnetic
(ii) The magnetic force acts on the
field.
charged particle perpendicular to its
(iii) The charged particle will follow a helical direction of motion. Hence no work is done
path with its axis parallel to the field. and there is no change in the kinetic
The component of initial velocity energy of the particle.
parallel to the magnetic field will make
Problem 11. A charge 'q’ moving in a
the particle move along the direction of
straight line is accelerated by a potential
the field while the perpendicular
difference W. It enters a uniform magnetic
component will compel it to follow a
field 'B' perpendicular to its path. Deduce in
circular path. The net effect is the
terms of V an expression for the radius of
helical motion.
the circular path in which it travels. [CBSE
The speed is constant in each case. OD 2000]
(c) The total Lorentz force on a Solution. Gain in K.E. of the charge q
charged particle moving with velocity in a when accelerated through V volts is
region of electric field ⃗ and magnetic field
⃗ is given by
⃗ ⃗ As the perpendicular magnetic field
provides the centripetal force to the charge
(i) Here the charged particle is moving q, therefore
parallel to both electric and magnetic fields.
So the force due to the magnetic field ( )
is zero. Under the electric force ,, the
charged particle continues to move along
its original straight line path. √ √
(ii) Due to the perpendicular electric
field, the charged particle tends to move Problem 12. A charged particle of mass
along a parabolic path. The perpendicular 'm', charge ‘q’ moving at uniform velocity v,
magnetic field throws the particle into enters a uniform magnetic field 'B' acting
circular motion. The particle follows the normal to the plane of the paper. Deduce
resultant path. expression for the (i) radius of the circular
(iii) Resolve velocity along ⃗ and path in which it travels, (ii) kinetic energy of
the particle (assuming v « c).
perpendicular to ⃗ . The transverse
component throws the charged particle into [CBSE OD 01; D 17C]
circular motion. The motion along ⃗ (or ⃗ ) Solution, (i) Force exerted by the
gets accelerated or retarded due to ⃗ . magnetic field = Centripetal force on the
Problem 10. A charged particle enters charge
a region of uniform magnetic field with its
or
initial velocity directed
(i) parallel to the field, (ii) ∴ Radius,
perpendicular to the field. Show
that there is no change in the (ii) Velocity,

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∴
Problem 13. (a) A point charge q
moving with speed v v enters a uniform
magnetic field B that is acting into the plane
of the paper as shown. What is the path
followed by the charge q and in which
plane does it move?
(b) How does the path followed by the Fig. 4.118
charge get affected if its velocity has a Solution. For undeflected charged
component parallel to ⃗ ? particle,
or
∴
As the electric field is switched off, the
charged particle is moving along x-axis.
The perpendicular magnetic field will
Fig. 4.117 deflect it along a circular trajectory in the
XY plane.
(c) If an electric ⃗ is also applied such
that the particle continues moving along Problem 15. A proton and a deuteron
the original straight line path, what would having equal momenta enter in a region of
be the magnitude and direction of the uniform magnetic field at right angle to the
direction of the field. Depict their
electric field ⃗ ? [CBSE F l6]
trajectories in the field.
Solution, (a) The charge q moves in the
[CBSE D 13]
XY plane describing a circular path in the
anticlockwise sense. Solution.
(b) The path of the charged particle
will become helical.
(c) By Fleming's left hand rule, the For same p and B,
magnetic Lorentz force acts on charge q in
-Y direction.
∴ Applied electric field should be in the
+ Y direction to make the charged particle
move along the original straight line path.
F =F
or
Problem 14. A particle of charge q is Fig. 4.119
moving with velocity v in the presence of
Hence both particles will move along
crossed electric field E and magnetic field
circular trajectories of same radius as
B as shown. Write the condition under
shown in Fig. 4.119.
which the particle will continue moving
along x-axis. How would the trajectory of roblem 16. n α-particle and a proton
the particle be affected if the electric field is moving with the same speed enter the
switched off? same magnetic field region at right angles
to the direction of the field, as shown in Fig.
[CBSE SP 18]
4.120(a). Show the trajectories followed by
the two particles in the region of the
magnetic field. Find the ratio of the radii of
the circular paths which the two particles

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may describe. current is passed through it. Why?

[CB
Solution. In the absence of electric
SE F 10]
field, the free electrons in a conductor have
random motion in all directions. The
velocity of free electrons is zero in any
direction. So the magnetic field does not
exert any force on them. When a current
flows, the free electrons acquire a drift
velocity in a definite direction, hence
magnetic force acts on them.
Fig. 4.120 (a) (b) Problem 19. As shown in Fig. 4.121, a
Solution. rectangular loop of width l is suspended
from the insulated hook of a spring
s balance. A current I flows in the
anticlockwise direction in the loop. A
Both particles move anticlockwise in magnetic field B exists in the lower region.
circular orbits with , as shown in What will be the change in the tension of
Fig. 4.120(b). the spring if the current in the loop is
reversed?
Problem 17. A proton and an alpha
particle enter at right angles into a uniform
magnetic field of intensity B . Calculate the
ratio of the radii of their paths, when they
enter the field with the (i) same momentum,
(ii) same kinetic energy.
[CBSE Sample Paper 03]
Solution, (i) Centripetal force on a charged
particle = Magnetic force on the particle

Or or
Fig. 4.121
For same momentum p and field B,
Solution. When the current flows
anticlockwise, force on side PQ = IIB,
acting upwards.
When the current flows clockwise,
(ii) Kinetic energy, or
force on side PQ = IIB, acting downwards.
√ ∴ Change in the tension of the spring = IIB
+ IIB = 2 IIB.
√
∴Radius, √ Problem 20. Explain, why two wires
carrying currents in opposite directions
For same kinetic energy K and field B, repel each other.

√ [CBSE D 94 ; Haryana 99 ; Punjab 01]

√
Solution. Each current carrying
conductor produces a magnetic field
around it. So each conductor experiences
√
a force due to the magnetic field of the
other. According to Fleming's left hand
Problem 18. The free electrons in a rule, the direction of the force is
conductor are always in a state of perpendicular to the two wires and is
continuous motion. Even then no magnetic outwards. Hence the two wires repel each
force acts on them in a conductor unless a other, as shown in Fig. 4.122.

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Fig. 4.124
Solution. The windings of a helix carry
currents in the same direction, they exert
attractive forces pulling the lower end out
of mercury. Consequently, the circuit
breaks and the current and hence the force
of attraction disappears. The helix regains
its original condition with its lower end
dipping in mercury. The process repeats
Fig. 4.122 and oscillatory motion is set up.
Problem 21. Two parallel conducting Problem 23. Suppose a helical spring is
wires carrying currents in same direction suspended from the roof of a room and
attract each other. Why? very small weight is attached to its lower
end. What will happen to the spring when a
Solution. Each current carrying current is passed through it? Give reason
conductor produces a magnetic field to support your answer.
around it. So each conductor experiences
a force due to the magnetic field of the [CBSE Sample Paper 1998]
other. According to Fleming's left hand Solution. When a current is passed
rule, the direction of the force is through the spring, it will flow in the
perpendicular to the two wires and is adjacent turns of the spring in the same
inwards. Hence the two wires attract each direction. So there will be magnetic
other, as shown in Fig. 4.123. attraction between adjacent turns. The
spring will contract and the weight will be
lifted up.
Problem 24. A horizontal wire AB of
length T' and mass 'm' carries a steady
current Iv free to move in vertical plane is in
equilibrium at a height of 'h' over another
parallel long wire CD carrying a steady
current I2, which is fixed in a horizontal
plane as shown. Derive the expression for
Fig. 4.123 the force acting per unit length on the wire
AB and write the condition for which wire
Problem 22. A loosely wound helix AB is in equilibrium. [CBSE SP 18]
made of stiff wire is mounted vertically with
its lower end just touching a dish of
mercury, as shown in Fig. 4.124. When a
current from a battery is started in the coil
through the mercury, the wire executes
oscillatory motion with the lower end Fig. 4.125
jumping out of and into the mercury. Give
reason. Solution. Magnetic field produced by
current I2 at any point on the wire AB is
, normally into the plane of paper
Force exerted by field B2 on length / of
wire AB,

Force acting per unit length of wire AB,

, away from CD (repulsive)

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For equilibrium of wire AB, Weight per

unit = Magnetic force per length of AB
unit length

towards conductor 1.
Problem 25. Figure 4.126 shows three Problem 26. In Fig. 4.127, the straight
infinitely long straight parallel current wire AB is fixed while the loop PQRS is free
carrying conductors. Find the (i) magnitude to move under the influence of the electric
and direction of the net magnetic field at currents flowing in them. In which direction
point A lying on conductor 1, (ii) magnetic does the loop begin to move? Give reason
force on conductor 2. [CBSE F 17] for your answer.
[CBSE D 97 ; OD 99]

Fig. 4.126
Solution, (i) Magnetic field at point A
due to current 31 in conductor 2,
Fig. 4.127
acting into the plane
Solution. The currents in QR and PS
of the paper have no effect on AB. There is a force of
Magnetic field at point A due to current attraction between AB and PQ and a force
4I in conductor 3, of repulsion between AB and SR But PQ is
closer to AB than SR, so force of attraction
acting out of the is stronger than the force of repulsion. So
plane of the paper the loop begins to move towards AB.
Net field at point A, Problem 27. Write the expression for
the magnetic moment ( ⃗⃗ ) due to a planar
square loop of side carrying a steady
current I in a vector form.
acting into the plane of paper
As shown in Fig. 4.128, this loop is
(ii) Force exerted by conductor 1 on placed in a horizontal plane near a long
conductor 2, straight conductor carrying a steady
current J1 at a distance l. Give reasons to
explain that the loop will experience a net
force but no torque. Write the expression
away from conductor 1/towards conductor for this force acting on the loop.
3. [CBSE D 10]
Force exerted by conductor 3 on conductor
2, μ0 2(37)(47)

away from conductor 3/towards conductor

1.
Net magnetic force on conductor 2, Fig. 4.128
Solution. Magnetic moment due to a

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planar square loop of side I and carrying carrying current I, when placed in a
current I is given by magnetic field ⃗ , is given by
In vector form, ⃗⃗ ̂ ⃗

where ̂ is a unit vector normal to the plane Obviously, torque will become zero if
of the loop in the sense given by right hand the area vector is in the direction of
thumb rule. ⃗
external field . Hence in position of stable
Force of attraction on conductor AB, equilibrium, the current loop will orient itself
with its plane perpendicular to the direction
of ⃗ (because the direction of is normal
to the plane of current loop).
Force of repulsion on wire CD, In this orientation, the magnetic field
produced by the loop is in the same
direction as external field, both normal to
the plane of the loop, thus giving rise to
net maximum flux of the total field.
(c) The loop will assume circular shape
As Fa > Fr, the net force on loop ABCD
with its plane perpendicular to the
is attractive.
magnetic field so as to maximise magnetic
As the area vector is parallel to the flux. This is because for a given perimeter,
magnetic field, θ = 0°, so torque on the a circle encloses greater area than any
square loop, other shape.
Thus the Problem 29. Why is the magnetic field
torque acting on the loop is zero. radial in a moving coil galvanometer?
Explain how it is achieved.
Problem 28. (a) A current carrying
circular loop lies on a smooth horizontal [CBSE OD 15C]
plane. Can a uniform magnetic field be set
Solution. Radial magnetic field. By
up in such a manner that the loop turns
using pole pieces of a magnet and placing
around itself (i.e., turns about the vertical
a soft iron cylindrical core between the
axis)?
concave poles, we get a magnetic field with
(b) A current carrying circular loop is its lines of force pointing along the radii of a
located in a uniform external magnetic circle. Such a field is called a radial field.
field. If the loop is free to turn, what is its The plane of a coil rotating in such a field is
orientation of stable equilibrium? Show that always parallel to the field, as shown in Fig.
in this orientation the flux of the total field 4.129.
(external field + field produced by the loop)
is maximum.
[CBSE F 13]
(c) A loop of irregular shape carrying
current is located in an external magnetic
field. If the wire is flexible, why does it
change to a circular shape?
Fig. 4.129
[NCERT]
Need of radial field. The current I
Solution, (a) No, that would require to through a galvanometer coil is given by
act in the vertical direction. But
⃗ and for the horizontal loop acts in the
vertical direction, so acts in the plane of
Because of the presence of factor sin θ,
the horizontal loop.
the deflection α of the galvanometer coil is
(b) The torque on a loop of area and not quite proportional to the current I, so

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that the instrument is not a linear one. To the component across which the p.d. is
make its scale linear, the field is made measured. It must have very high
radial. Then θ = 90°, so that resistance so that a very small current
passes through it and the p.d. across that
or component is not affected. So a
galvanometer is converted into a voltmeter
Problem 30. Describe the working by connecting a high resistance in series
principle of a moving coil galvanometer. with it.
Why is it necessary to use (i) a radial
Problem 32. Compare a voltmeter and
magnetic field and (ii) a cylindrical soft iron
an ammeter.
core in a galvanometer?
Solution.
Can a galvanometer as such be used
for measuring the current? Explain.
Ammeter Voltmeter
[CBSE D 17]
Solution. Principle of a moving coil 1. It is a low It is a high
galvanometer: A current-carrying coil resistance device resistance device
placed in a magnetic field experiences a used to measure used to measure
current dependent torque, which tends to electric current. potential difference.
rotate the coil and produces angular
2. It is obtained by It is obtained by
deflection.
connecting a low connecting a high
(a) Radial magnetic field maximizes the resistance in resistance in series
torque on the coil and provides linear parallel with a with a
current scale. galvanometer. galvanometer.
(b) A cylindrical soft iron core makes the
field radial. This increases the strength 3. It is always It is always
of the magnetic field and hence connected in connected in
increases the sensitivity of the series. parallel.
galvanometer.
4. It is not possible to It is possible to
A galvanometer as such cannot be decrease the range decrease the range
used to measure current in a circuit due to of a given of a given
two reasons: ammeter. voltmeter.
(i) A galvanometer can detect only small
currents and its coil is likely to be Problem 33. Define current sensitivity
damaged by currents of (mA/A) range. and voltage sensitivity of a galvanometer.
Increasing the current sensitivity may not
(ii) For measuring currents, it has to be necessarily increase the voltage sensitivity
first calibrated. of a galvanometer. Justify.
Problem 31 Why is it that while using a [CBSE OD 09,11]
moving coil galvanometer as a voltmeter a
high resistance in series is required Solution. Current sensitivity of a
whereas in an ammeter a shunt is used? galvanometer is the deflection produced
per unit flow of current while voltage
[CBSE OD 10, 12 ; D 13C] sensitivity is the deflection produced per
Solution. In order that the insertion of unit applied potential difference.
an ammeter in series in a circuit does not Current sensitivity,
affect the current in the circuit, an ammeter
must have least possible resistance. So a Voltage sensitivity,
galvanometer is converted into ammeter
by connecting a small resistance in parallel If the current sensitivity is increased by
with it. increasing the number of turns N, the
A voltmeter is connected in parallel with resistance R will also increase. So, the

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voltage sensitivity might not increase on [CBSE SP 2015]

increasing the current sensitivity.
Problem 34. The magnitude F of the
force between two straight parallel current
carrying conductors kept at a distance d
apart in air is given by where I1
and I2 are the currents flowing through the
two wires. Use this expression, and the
sign convention that the : "Force of
attraction is assigned a negative sign and
Fig. 4.131
force of repulsion is assigned a positive
sign". Draw graphs showing dependence Solution. With key K2 open, the current
of F on I in the galvanometer will be
(i) I1 I2 when d is kept constant.
(ii) d when the product I2I2 is maintained at
a constant positive value. When K2 is closed, the equivalent
(iii) d when the product I1 I2 is maintained at resistance of the parallel combination of S
a constant negative value. and R is given
[CBSE SP 15] The total current /' drawn from the battery
Solution. When I1 and I2 are like would now be
currents, the product I, I2 is +ve and F is an
attractive (-ve) force.
When I1 and I2 are unlike currents, the This current gets divided through S and
product I1 I2 is -ve and F is a repulsive (+ G in the inverse ratio of S and Rg.
ve) force.
Hence, the current I" through the
Now F I1 I2, for constant d galvanometer will be
and , for constant I1 I2
Hence, the required graphs are of the
forms as shown below (Fig. 4.130).

(i) d = constant (ii) I2 = +ve constant (iii)

I↑I2 = -ve constant
or
Fig. 4.130
or
Problem 35. The current flowing in the
galvarn meter G when the key K2 is kept or
open is I. On closing the key FC2, the
current in the galvanometer becomes I / n, Hence, the resistance of the galvanometer
where n is an integer. Obtain an is
expression for resistance Rg of the
galvanometer in terms of R, S and n. To When R » S, we have,
what form does this expression reduce
when the value of R is very large as
compared to S?

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HOTS Problems on Higher Order Thinking Skills

Problem 1. State Biot-Savart law. the X-axis with a velocity is subjected to
a uniform magnetic field B acting along the
A current 1 flows in a conductor placed
Z-axis as it crosses the origin O.
perpendicular to the plane of the paper.
Indicate the direction of the magnetic field
due to a small demerit at point P
situated at a distance r from the element as
shown in Fig. 4.132.
[CBSE D 09]

Fig. 4.134
(i) Trace its trajectory.
(ii) Does the charge gain kinetic energy as
it enters the magnetic field? Justify your
answer. [CBSE D 09]
Solution. (i) Charge c begins to move in
Fig. 4.132 a circular orbit in the XY-plane as shown in
Fig. 4.135.
Solution. For the statement of
Biot-Savart law, refer to point 2 of (ii) As the magnetic force acts
Glimpses. perpendicular to the velocity of the
charge q, it does no work and hence there
⃗ is no gain in the kinetic energy of the
charge q.

Fig. 4.135
Fig. 4.133 Problem 3. A long wire is bent into a
Current element is along circular coil of one turn and then into a
Z-direction and position vector is along circular coil of smaller radius having n
Y-direction, so turns. If the same current passes in both
the cases, find the ratio of the magnetic
̂ ̂ fields produced at the centres in the two
⃗
cases.
Solution. Let l be the length of the wire.
̂
When the wire is first bent in the form of
̂ one turn circular coil,
̂ ̂
Hence the magnetic field at point P is or
directed along negative X-direction as
shown in Fig. 4.133.
Problem 2. A charge ‘q' moving along

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When the wire is bent in the form of n-turn

coil,

or

Fig. 4.136
Problem 4. Show that the magnetic Clearly,
field along the axis of a current carrying
circular coil of radius r at a distance x from
the centre of the coil is smaller by the ⁄
fraction 3x2/2r2 than the field at the centre But
⁄
of the coil carrying current. √ ⁄ √

Solution. centre and axial

∴ ⁄ √

√
axial
⁄ Similarly,
centre

The fractional decrease in magnetic field is [ ]

√
centre axial centre
centre axial
√
√
Or
Problem 5. A rectangular loop of
Problem 6. Two semi-infinitely long
metallic wire is of length a and breadth b
straight current carrying conductors are
and carries current I. Find the magnitude of
held at right angles to each other so that
the magnetic field at the centre O of the
their common end lies at the origin, as
loop.
shown in Fig. 4.137. If both the conductors
Solution. Figure 4.136 shows the carry the same current I as shown, find the
rectangular loop ABCD carrying current I. magnetic field at the point P (a, b).
The magnetic field due to all the four sides
at the centre O will be directed normally
outward. Hence total magnetic field at O
will be
B=B1 + B2 + B3 + B4

where B1 , B2 , B3 and B4 are the magnetic

fields produced due to the currents in sides
AB, BC, CD and DA respectively.
Fig. 4.137
Solution. Magnetic field at point P due
to the conductor along x-axis is

* +

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[ ] (directed outward)
√
As the net magnetic field at P is zero, so
Magnetic field at point P due to the
= ,
conductor along y-axis is
or
* +
Problem 8. As shown in Fig. 4.140, a
[ ] cell is connected across two points A and B
√ of a uniform circular conductor. Prove that
According to right hand thumb rule, the magnetic field at its centre O will be
both B1 and B2, act normally into the plane zero.
of paper. Hence the resultant magnetic
[Punjab 99C]
field at point P is
B= B1 + B2

[ ( ) ( )]
√
√
* +

*√ + Fig. 4.140
Problem 7. Two insulating infinitely Solution. Let the lengths of the two
long conductors carrying currents 1↑ and l2 circular segments ACB and ADB be l1 and
lie mutually perpendicular to each other in l2, and p be the resistance per unit length.
the same plane, as shown in Fig. 4.138. Then
Find the locus of the point at which the net Resistance of segment ACB,
magnetic field is zero.
Resistance of segment ADB, =
Fig. 4.138
Solution. According to right hand thumb
rule, the magnetic fields due to the two Suppose f and I2 are the currents in
conductors can vanish only in regions 1 segments ACB and ADB respectively. As
and III. the two segments are connected in
parallel, so the potential differences across
Let the magnetic field be zero at point P them must be equal.
(x, y).

or
or
Magnetic field at the centre of an arc of
length l carrying current I is

Therefore, the magnetic fields at the

centre O due to the currents I1 and I2 are
Fig. 4.139
Magnetic field at P due to current , and
(directed inward) where r is the radius of the circular
conductor. As so
Magnetic field at P due to current I2,
B1 = B2

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As the currents and I2 are oppositely

directed, their magnetic fields B1 and B2 will
The magnetic field at point C due to this
be opposite to each other. Hence the
part is
resultant field at the centre O is zero.
Problem 9. An infinitely long conductor
is bent into the shape as shown in Fig.
4.141. The semicircular part lies in the acting along positive X-axis 4πr
YZ-plane; while of the two straight parts,
one is along X-axis and the other parallel to
⃗ ̂
Y-axis at a distance r from it. If the
conductor carries a current I, as shown in
Total magnetic field at point C,
the figure, find the magnetic field at the
centre C of the semicircular loop. ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ⃗

̂ ̂ ̂

⃗ ̂ ̂

Problem 10. The wire loop PQRSP

formed by joining two semicircular wires of
radii R} and R, carries a current I, as shown
Fig. 4.141 in Fig. 4.142. Find the magnitude and
direction of the magnetic field at the centre
Solution. Magnetic field due to a O.
straight current carrying conductor,
[IIT 88]

For the straight part lying along X-axis,

we have

:. The magnetic field at point C due to

the straight part along X-axis, Fig. 4.142
Solution. The magnetic field at C due to
each of the straight parts PQ and RS is
zero.
acting along negative Y-axis 4πr
Magnetic field at C due to the semicircular
or ⃗ ̂ loop of radius R1 is directed normally
upward.
The semicircular part subtends an
angle π at the centre C and its radius is r/2.
Magnetic field due to this part at point C,
Magnetic field at C due to the
semicircular loop of radius R2 is

acting along positive X-axis 4π r

⃗ ̂ directed normally downward.

Hence the resultant field at the point C
For the straight part lying parallel to is
Y-axis, we have

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directed normally upward.

Problem 11. A current I is flowing in an
infinitely long conductor bent into the
shape shown in Fig. 4.143. If the radius of
the curved part is R, find the magnetic field
at the centre O.

Fig. 4.144
⃗ ⃗ ⃗

or
Fig. 4.143
Solution. As the point O lies on the
straight part AB, so normally outward.
BAB =0 Problem 13. If the current density in a
linear conductor of radius a varies with r
acting normally outward according to the relation : J = kr2, where k is
a constant and r is the distance of a point
from the axis of the conductor. Find the
magnetic field at a point distance r from the
acting normally outward axis when (i) r < a and (ii) r > a.
Total magnetic field at the centre O,

or , acting normally
outward. Fig. 4.145
Problem 12. Two infinitely long wires Solution, (j) As shown in Fig. 4.145,
carry equal current I. Each wire follows a consider an elementary ring of radius r and
90° arc along the circumference of the thickness dr with its centre on the axis of
same circle of radius R, as shown in Fig. the conductor.
4.144. Find the magnetic field at the centre Area of the elementary ring,
O.
Current passing through the elementary
Solution, ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ring,
⃗ ⃗

But ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ⃗
Total current enclosed by the closed loop
of radius r,

Using Ampere's circuital law,

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of 1.0 × 10-9 C and going in the X-Y plane.

Find the velocity of the particle.
Solution. Here ⃗ ̂ T,
̂ ̂ N C
(ii) For r > a, the total current enclosed Let ̂ ̂ Then
by the loop of radius r,
⃗
∫ ̂ ̂
̂ ̂ ̂

̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
̂ ̂
Or r ̂ ̂

Problem 14. A hollow cylindrical ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂

conductor of radii a and b carries a current
1 uniformly spread over its cross- section. ∴ and
Prove that the magnetic field B for points Hence ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ms
inside the body of the conductor at a
distance r from the axis of the cylinder is Problem 16. (a) Two circular coils X
given by and Y having radii R and R/2 respectively
are placed in horizontal plane with their
centres coinciding with each other. Coil X
has a current I flowing through it in the
clockwise sense. What must be the current
Solution. The lines of force are circular
in coil Y to make the total magnetic field at
with their centre on the axis of the cylinder.
the common centre of the two coils, zero?
Consider a cylindrical shell of inner radius
a and outer radius r. (b) With the same currents flowing in
the two coils, if the coil Y is now lifted
Current enclosed by this cylindrical
vertically upwards through a distance R,
shell,
what would be the net magnetic field at the
centre of coil Y?
[CBSE Sample Paper 08]
Solution, (a) Magnetic field at the centre O
due to the current I flowing clockwise in coil
X (radius = R),
⃗ acting vertically downwards
For total magnetic field to be zero at the
Fig. 4.146 common centre of the two coils,
Using Ampere's circuital law, ⃗X ⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
So the current in coil Y must flow
anticlockwise.

Problem 15. A magnetic field of

̂ exerts a force of ̂
̂ N on particle having a charge

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any two) that these observations are in

good agreement with the expected
theoretical variation of B with x.

Fig. 4.147
lso,

Or Fig. 4.149

X →x = 0 x=a X=2a x=3a

(b) When the coil Y is lifted vertically
B→ B √ √ √
upwards through a distance R, its centre O'
lies on the axial line of the coil X.
[CBSE Sample Paper 08]
Solution. The magnetic field at an axial
point at distance x from the centre of the
circular current loop is given by

⁄ ⁄

(i) At x - 0,

Fig. 4.148 (ii) At x = a,

∴ Magnetic field at point O' due to

⁄
current I in coil X, ⁄

⁄
√
√ √
√
acting vertically downwards.
(iii) At x = 2 a,
Magnetic field at point O' due to current
I / 2 in coil Y,
⁄

√
acting vertically upwards. ⁄
√

The net magnetic field at the centre O' (iv) t x = 3α,

of the coil Y,

⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⁄

√
, acting vertically upwards. √
⁄ √
Problem 17. A student records the
following data for the magnitudes (B) of the Obviously, the observations recorded
magnetic field at axial points at different by the student are in good agreement with
distances x from the centre of a circular coil the theoretical predictions.
of radius a carrying a current 1. Verify (for Problem 18. An a-particle and a proton

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

are released from the centre of the

cyclotron and made to accelerate. ∴ Velocity, √

(i) Can both be accelerated at the same Radius of the circular path of a charged
cyclotron frequency? Give reason to particle in a magnetic field is given by
justify your answer.
(ii) When they are accelerated in turn, √
√
which of the two will have higher
velocity at the exist slit of the dees?
√ √
[CBSE OD 13] ∴

Solution. Cyclotron frequency, √

and
protons
√ √
particles √

Hence √
Hence, α-particles and protons will not
accelerate at the same cyclotron Problem 20. A neutron, a proton, an
frequency. In fact, cyclotron frequency for electron and an a-particle enter a region of
protons is twice the cyclotron frequency of constant magnetic field with equal
α-particles. velocities. The magnetic field is along the
inward
Also, maximum velocity acquired by
accelerated particles is given by

or

proton

particle
Fig. 4.150
Hence, the exit velocity of protons is
twice the exit velocity of α-particles. normal to the plane of the paper. The
tracks of the particles are labelled in Fig.
Problem 19. A proton, a deutron and 4.150. Relate the tracks to the four
an alpha particle having the same kinetic particles.
energy are allowed to pass through a [
uniform magnetic field perpendicular to IIT 84]
their direction of motion. Compare the radii
of their circular paths. Solution, (i) For a neutron, q = 0, so F =
qvB sin θ = 0. That is, a neutron goes
[AIEEE 12] undeflected through the magnetic field. So
Solution. If mp, md and mα are the the track C corresponds to a neutron.
masses of proton, deutron and α-particle (ii) According to Fleming's left hand
respectively, then rule, a negative charged particle such as
md = 2 mp and ma = 4 mp an electron will be deflected towards right.
and So the track D corresponds to an electron.
(iii) According to Fleming's left hand
Kinetic energy, rule, a positively charged particle such as
an α-particle or a proton will be deflected
towards left. Its radius of curvature is given

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by

i.e.,

i.e.,
Let B' = nB, be the new magnetic field
Thus the track B corresponds to an
in region II. If 1 is the radius of the new
a-particle and track A to a proton.
circular path, then
Problem 21. A fine pencil of β
-particles, moving with a speed v, enters a
region (region I), where a uniform electric
and a uniform magnetic field are both Hence, the radius of the circular path
present. These β -particles then move into would decrease by a factor n.
region II where only the magnetic field (out
of the two fields present in region I), exists. Problem 22. Two long wires carrying
The path of the β -particles, in the two currents L and I2 are arranged as shown in
regions, is as shown in Fig. 4.151. Fig. 4.152. The one carrying current f is
along the x-axis. The other carrying current
f is along a line parallel to the y-axis given
by x = 0 and z-d. Find the force exerted at
02 because of the wire along the X-axis.

[Exemplar Problem]

Fig. 4.151
(i) State the direction of the magnetic field.
(ii) State the relation between 'E' and 'B' in
region 1.
(iii) Drive the expression for the radius of
the circular path of the β -particle in
region II.
Fig. 4.152
If the magnitude of magnetic field, in
region II, is changed to n times its earlier Solution. At 02, the magnetic field due
value, (without changing the magnetic field to f is along the y-axis.
in region I) find the factor by which the The second wire also lies along y-axis
radius of this circular path would change. and hence the force is zero.
[CBSE Sample Paper 13]
Solution, (i) As per Fleming's left hand
rule, the magnetic field acts perpendicular Problem 23. Find the magnitude of the
to the plane of paper and is directed force on each segment of the wire as
inwards. shown in Fig. 4.153, if a magnetic

(ii) As the beam remains undeflected in

region I,

(iii) In region II, the magnetic force

provides the centripetal force. Fig. 4.153

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field of 0.30 T, is applied parallel to AB and

DE. Take the value of the current, flowing
in the wire as 1 ampere.
[CBSE Sample Paper 2011]
N
Solution. As segments AB and DE are
parallel to the magnetic field B,
As the currents in AB and CD are in
opposite directions, so magnetic force on
CD will be repulsive and hence upward.
The gravitational force on CD acting
= 1× 0.08×0.30×1 = 0.024 N vertically downward is
FCD = IlCD B sin(90 °- 60 0) Fs = mg= 0.5 × 10-3 × 9.8 = 4.9 × 10-3 N
= 1× 0.10×0.30×0.5 =0.015 N. In the state of equilibrium,
Problem 24. A straight wire, of length L,
carrying a current I stays suspended
horizontally in mid air in a region where
there is a uniform magnetic field ⃗ . The m
linear mass density of the wire is Obtain
the magnitude and direction of this = 1.63 mm.
magnetic field. [CBSE OD 04C]
Problem 26. A metal zoire of mass m
Solution. The field B must act slides without friction on two horizontal rails
horizontally and perpendicular to the length spaced at a distance d apart as shown in
of the wire. Fig. 4.155. The rails are situated in a
Weight of wire = Force exerted by uniform magnetic field B, directed vertically
magnetic field mg = ILB sin 90° upward, and a battery is sending a current I
through them. Find the velocity of the wire
as a function of time, assuming it to be at
rest initially.
[Roorkee 83]
Problem 25. In Fig. 4.154, a long zvire
AB is placed on a table. A wire CD, 10 cm
long, is arranged just above AB so that it
can slide up and dozvn on two vertical
wires. The wires carry a current 20 A. At
what distance above AB, will the wire CD
settle? The mass of the wire CD is 0.50 g.
Fig. 4.155
Solution. The magnitude of the
magnetic force on the wire of length d is
F = IBd sin 90° = IBd
This force acts perpendicular to the
Fig. 4.154 wire (in the plane of paper), towards left.
The wire moves towards left under the
Solution. Suppose the wire CD settles acceleration,
at distance r above the wire AB: ‘The
magnetic force on CD of length 10 cm due
to current in AB is
Velocity of the wire at any time t will be

Here l = 10 cm = 0.10 m,

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towards left.

Problem 27. A given rectangular coil

OLMN of area A, carrying a given current J,
is placed in a uniform magnetic ⃗ ̂
Fig. 4.157
field in two different orientations (a) and (b)
as shown. What is the magnitude of torque Magnetic dipole moment of the coil,
experienced by this coil in the two cases?
√
√ m
[CBSE Sample Paper 2011]
Magnetic moment m acts
perpendicular to the plane of the loop and
the field B. Therefore, torque acting on the
coil is
√

√ Nm
Problem 29. A length L of a wire carries
a current I. Show that if the wire is formed
Fig. 4.156
into a circular coil, the maximum torque in a
Solution. Here given magnetic field is developed when the
and ⃗⃗ ⃗ coil has one turn only and the maximum
torque has the value,
(a) ̂ ̂ ̂
Solution. Torque on a current loop,
∴ Magnitude of torque = BIA
(b) ⃗ ̂ ⃗ If the circular coil has N turns, each of
radius r, then L = 2πr N L
∴ Magnitude of torque = 0.
Problem 28. A coil in the shape of an
equilateral triangle of side 0.02 m is
suspended from a vertex such that it is Area of the coil,
hanging in a vertical plane between the
pole pieces of permanent magnet
producing a horizontal magnetic field 5 ×
10“ 2 tesla. Find the couple acting on the Hence
coil when a current of 0.1 A is passed
through it and the magnetic field is parallel Clearly, torque will be maximum when
to its plane. sin θ is maximum and N is minimum i.e.,
sin θ =1 and N =1. Then
[Roorkee 91]
Solution. Area of the triangle,
A = base × height = a × a sin 60° Problem 30. In the circuit shown in Fig.
√ 4.158, a voltmeter reads 30 V, when it is
= × 0.02 × 0.02 × = √3 × 10-4m2 2 connected across 400 Ω resistance.
Calculate what the same voltmeter will
read, when connected across the 300 Ω
resistance. [IIT 80; Punjab 95]

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Fig. 4.158
Solution. Let Ry be the resistance of the
voltmeter. Then the resistance R of the
parallel combination of RV and R1 will be

∴ Current in the circuit, [CBSE Sample Paper 03]

Fig. 4.159
Solution. Apparent resistance,
Voltmeter reading
mmeter reading

As the potential difference across R is

measured to be 30 V, so
IR =30 lso,

or

On solving, or
RV =1200 Ω
or
When this voltmeter is connected
across R2, the combined resistance will be
or

Problem 32. A galvanometer is

shunted by 1/nth of its resistance. Find the
Current in the circuit, fraction of the total current passing through
the galvanometer.

Solution,
Reading of the voltmeter = P.D. across
R' = I' R'
Problem 33. If a galvanometer is
connected in series with a high resistance
V
so that potential drop across the
Problem 31. A voltmeter of resistance galvanometer is 1/nth of the total applied
RV and an ammeter of resistance RA are voltage, then show that the combined
connected in a circuit to measure, a resistance of the galvanometer and the
resistance R as shown in Fig. 4.159. The series resistor is n times the resistance of
ratio of the meter readings gives an the galvanometer i.e., RV = nRg.
apparent resistance R'. Show that R and R' Solution. Here or
are related by the relation
Required Resistance,

Combined resistance of the

galvanometer and the series resistor,

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R
V = R' + Rg = nRg …(ii)
Problem 34. A galvanometer of. On dividing (i) by (ii)
resistance G is converted into a voltmeter
to measure upto V volts by connecting a or
resistance R1 in series with the coil. If a
resistance R2 is connected in series with it,
then it can measure upto V/2 volts. Find the
resistance, in terms of R1 and R2, required Let R3 be the resistance required for
to be connected to convert it into a conversion into voltmeter of range 2 V.
voltmeter that can read upto 2 V. Also find Then,
the resistance G of the galvanometer in ...(iii)
terms of R1 and R2. [CBSE D 15]
On dividing (iii) by (i), we get
Solution.
For voltmeter of range V, or
…
∴
For voltmeter of range = 3R1-2R2

GUIDELINES TO NCERT EXERCISES

4.1. A circular coil of wire consisting of that the magnetic field will act in the
100 turns each of radius 8.0 cm carries vertically upward direction at the point 2.5
a current of 0.40 A. What is the m east of the wire.
magnitude of the magnetic field B at the
4.4. A horizontal overhead power line
centre of the coil?
carries a current of 90 A in an east to
Ans. Given N = 100, r = 8 cm = 0.08 m, I - west direction. What is the magnitude
0.40 A and direction of magnetic field due to
the current 1.5 m below the line ?
∴
Ans. Here I =90 A, r = 1.5 m, μ 0 = 4 ×
T 10-7 Tm A-1
4.2. A long straight wire carries a
current of 35 A. What is the magnitude T
of the field ⃗ at a point 20 cm from the T
wire? Applying right hand thumb rule, we find
Ans. Here I = 35 A, r = 20 cm = 0.20 m, that the direction of the field B will be
towards south at a point below the power
Tm line.

T 4.5. What is the magnitude of magnetic

force per unit length on a wire carrying
4.3.A long straight wire in the horizontal a current of 8 A and making an angle of
plane carries a current of 50 A in the north 30° with the direction of a uniform
to south direction. Give the magnitude and magnetic field of 0.15 T?
direction of ⃗ at a point 2.5 m east of the Ans. Given 1 = 8 , θ = 30°, B = 0.15 T
wire.
As F = IIB sin θ
Ans. Here I = 50 A, r = 2.5 m
Force per unit length,
T

Applying right hand thumb rule, we find Nm

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4.6. A 3.0 cm wire carrying a current of 10 magnetic field of magnitude

A is placed inside a solenoid
0.80 T. What is the magnitude of torque
perpendicular to its axis. The magnetic
experienced by the coil ?
field inside the solenoid is given to be
0.27 T. What is the magnetic force on Ans. Given A= 0.10 m × 0.10 m = 0.01
the wire? m2, N = 20,
rts. Given / = 3.0 cm = 0.03 m, / = 10 , θ I = 12 A, θ = 30°, B = 0.80 T
= 90°, B = 0.27 T Magnitude of torque is t = NIB A sin θ
F = IIB sin θ = 10 × 0.03 × 0.27 × sin 90° = 20 × 12 × 0.80 × 0.01 ×sin 30°= 0.96 Nm.
= 8.1 ×10-2 N 4.10. Two moving coil galvanometers
The direction of the force is given by and have the following
Fleming's left hand rule. particulars :
4.7. Two long and parallel straight wires A R1=10Ω, N1 = 30, A1 = 3.6 × 10-3 m2, B1
and B carrying currents of 8.0 A and 5.0 = 0.25 T
A in the same direction are separated R2 = 14 Ω, N2 = 42, A2 = 1.8 × 10-3m2, B2
by a distance of 4.0 cm. Estimate the
= 0.50 T
force on a 10 cm section of wire A.
The spring constants are identical for
Ans. Force per unit length of each wire
the two springs. Determine the ratio of (i)
is
current sensitivity and (ii) voltage
Nm sensitivity of M2 and M1
Ans. Let torsion constant for each
Force on 10 cm section of wire A is meter = k
For a galvanometer, we have
N
NIB A = ka
4.8. A closely wound solenoid 80 cm
long has 5 layers of windings of400 Its current sensitivity is defined as the
turns each. The diameter of the deflection produced per unit current, i.e.,
solenoid is 1.8 cm.
If the current carried is 8.0 A, estimate the
magnitude of ⃗ inside the solenoid near its ∴
centre.
Ans. Number of turns per unit length of
the solenoid is
n=

Voltage sensitivity of a galvanometer is

defined as the deflection produced per unit
m
voltage, i.e.,
Magnetic field inside the solenoid is Voltage sensitivity of
Voltage sensitivity of
T = 2.5 ×10-2 T.
4.9. A square coil of the side 10 cm
consists of 20 turns and carries a
current of 12 A. The coil is suspended 4.11. In a chamber, a uniform magnetic
vertically and normal to the plane of the field of 6.5 G(1 G = 10-4T) is
coil and makes an angle of 30° with the maintained. An electron is shot into the
direction of a uniform horizontal field with a speed of 4.8 × 106 ms-1

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normal to the field. Explain why the Ans. (a) N = 30, r = 8.0 cm = 0.08 m, I =
path of the electron is a circle. 6.0 A,
Determine the radius of the circular
B = 1T, 0 = 60°
orbit. Given that e = 1.6 × 10-19 C, me =
9.1 × 10-31 kg. Magnitude of counter torque
Ans. The perpendicular magnetic field = Magnitude of deflecting torque = NIB A
exerts a force on the electron sin θ
perpendicular to its path. This force = 30 × 6 × 1 × (3.14 × 0.08 × 0.08) sin 60°
continuously deflects the electron from its
path and makes it move along a circular = 30 × 6 × 3.14 × 64 × 10-4 × 0.866 = 3.1
path. Nm.
∴ Magnetic force on the electron = (b) No, the answer would not change
Centripetal force because the above formula for the torque
is true for a planar loop of any shape.
4.14. Two concentric circular coils X
and Y of radii 16 cm and 10 cm
respectively lie in the same vertical plane
containing the north-south direction. Coil X
Now G T has 20 turns and carries a current of 16 A;
ms coil Y has 25 turns and carries a current of
18 A. The sense of the current in X is
anticlockwise, and in Y clockwise, for an
observer looking at the coils facing west.
m cm Give the magnitude and direction of the net
magnetic field due to the coils at their
4.12. In Exercise 4.11, obtain the centre.
frequency of revolution of the electron
in its circular orbit. Does the answer
depend on the speed of the electron?
Explain.
Ans. Frequency of revolution of the
electron in its circular orbit,

= 18.18 ×106 Hz. = 18 MHz.

No, the frequency f does not depend on
the speed v of the electron.
4.13. (a) A circular coil of 30 turns and Fig. 4.160
radius 8.0 cm carrying a current of 6.0 Ans. For coil X:rx = 16 cm = 0.16 m, Nx =
A is suspended vertically in a uniform 20, Ix = 16 A
horizontal magnetic field of magnitude
1.0 T. The field lines make an angle 60° ∴ Magnetic field at the centre of coil X is
with the normal to the coil. Calculate
the magnitude of the counter torque T
that must be applied to prevent the coil
from turning. = 4π ×10-4T
(b) Would your answer change if the As the current in the coil X is
circular coil in (a) were replaced by a anticlockwise, the field is directed towards
planar coil of some irregular shape that east.
encloses the same area? For coil V: r = 10 cm = 0.10 m, N = 25,1
[CBSE OD 98C]

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= 18 A distance R. Show that the field on the axis

around the mid-point between the coils is
∴ Magnetic field at the centre of coil Y
uniform over a distance that is small as
is compared to R, and is given by

T approximately
T
Such an arrangement used to produce
As the current in the coil Y is clockwise, a nearly uniform magnetic field over a
the field By is directed towards west. Since small region is known as Helmholtz coils.
By > Bx, therefore, the net field is directed Ans. (a) Given
towards west and its magnitude is
T ⁄
4.15. A magnetic field of 100 G (1 G =
10-4T) is required which is uniform in a At the centre of the coil, x = 0, so
region of near dimension about 10 cm
and area of cross-section about 10-3m2.
The maximum current-carrying
capacity of a given coil of wire is 15 A This is the standard result for the field
and the number of turns per unit length at the centre of the coil.
that can be wound round a core is at (b) As shown in Fig. 4.161, consider a
most 1000 turns m-1. Suggest some small region of length 2d about the
appropriate design particulars of a midpoint O between the two coils.
solenoid for the required purpose.
Assume the core is not ferromagnetic.
Ans. Here B = 100 G = 10-2 T, I = 15 A,
n = 1000 turns m-1
Magnetic field inside a solenoid,

∴ Fig. 4.161

We may take I = 10 A, then n = 800 Given ⁄

The solenoid may have length 50 cm Therefore, the magnetic field at the point P
and area of cross- section 5 × 10_2m2 (five due to coil 1, μ∩m2N
times the given value) so as to avoid edge
effects, etc.
4.16. For a circular coil of radius R and acting along
⁄
N turns carrying current I, the magnitude of
the magnetic field at a its axis at a distance
x from its centre is given by, Magnetic field at the point P due to coil 2,

⁄
acting along
(a) Show that this reduces to the ⁄
familiar result for field at the centre of the
coil. Total magnetic field at the point P will be B
=
(b) Consider two parallel co-axial
circular coils of equal radius R, and number
of turns N, carrying equal currents in the ⁄
same direction, and separated by a

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∴ Number of turns per unit length,

⁄

(a) The field outside the toroid is zero.

⁄ (b) The field inside the core of the
[( ) toroid,

⁄
( ) T
]
(c) The field in the empty space
[Neglecting d2, as d << R]
surrounded by the toroid is also zero.
4.18. Answer the following questions :
[ ⁄
⁄ (a) A magnetic field that varies in
( ) magnitude from point to point but has a
constant direction (east to west) is set
] up in a chamber. A charged particle
⁄ enters the chamber and travels
( ) undeflected along a straight path with
constant speed. What can you say
⁄ about the initial velocity of the particle?
*( ) ( ) +
(b) A charged particle enters an
environment of a strong and
⁄
[( ) ( )] non-uniform magnetic field varying
from point to point both in magnitude
[Expanding by binomial theorem and and direction and comes out of it
neglecting higher powers of d / R] following a complicated trajectory.
Would its final speed equal the initial
or speed if it suffered no collisions with the
environment ?
Magnetic field will also be same at the
point Q. In fact, it will be uniform over the (c) An electron travelling west to east
small region of length 2 d around the enters a chamber having a uniform
midpoint O. electrostatic field in a north to south
direction. Specify the direction in which
4.17. A toroid has a core a uniform magnetic field should be set
(non-ferromagnetic) of inner radius 25 up to prevent the electron from
cm and outer radius 26 cm around deflecting from its straight line path.
which 3500 turns of a wire are wound. If
the current in the wire is 11 A, what is Ans. (a) The force on a charged particle
the magnetic field (a) outside the toroid moving in a magnetic field is given by
(b) inside the core of the toroid (c) in the F = qvB sin θ
empty space surrounded by the toroid?
The force on a charged particle will be
Ans. Here, I = 11 A, total number of zero or the particle will remain undeflected
turns = 3500 if sin θ = 0 or θ = 0°, 180°
Mean radius of toroid, i.e., initial velocity v is either parallel or
antiparallel to B .
cm m
(b) Yes, a magnetic field exerts force
Total length (circumference) of the toroid on a charged particle in a direction
m perpendicular to its direction of motion and

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hence does no work on it. So the charged

particle will have its final speed equal to its
initial speed. ms
(c)The electron travelling west to east
experiences a force towards north due to ms
the electrostatic field. It will remain
undeflected if it experiences an equal force The radius of the helical path is given
towards south due to the magnetic field. by
According to Fleming's left hand rule, the
magnetic field must act in the vertically
downward direction.
4.19. An electron emitted by a heated
cathode and accelerated through a = 50.4 × 10-5 m = 0.50 mm.
potential difference of 2.0 kV, enters a
region with uniform magnetic field of 4.20. A magnetic field set up using
0.15 T. Determine the trajectory of the Helmholtz coils is uniform in a small
electron if the field (i) is transverse to its region and has a magnitude of 0.75 T.
initial velocity, (ii) makes an angle of In the same region, a uniform
30° with the initial velocity. electrostatic field is maintained in a
direction normal to the common axis of
Ans. V = 2.0 kV = 2 × 103 V, B = 0.15 T, the coils. A narrow beam of
e = 1.6 × 10-19 C, m = 9.1 × 10-31 kg (single-species) charged particles all
Potential difference V imparts kinetic accelerated through 15 kV enters this
energy to the electron given by region in a direction perpendicular to
both the axis of the coils and the
electrostatic field. If the beam remains
undeflected when the electrostatic field
or, Velocity gained by electron, is 9.0 × 10 5 Vm-1, make a simple guess
as to what the beam contains. Why is
the answer not unique?
√
Ans B = 0.75 T, E = 9.0 × 105 Vm-1,
V'= 15 kV = 15 × 103 V
√ ms
For undeflected beam, velocity of
charged particles must be
= 2.65 × 107 ms-1
(i) When field B is transverse to the ms ms
initial velocity ,
But the kinetic energy of the charged
particles is given by

m mm Ckg
Thus the electron follows a circular = 4.8 × 107 C kg-1
trajectory of radius 1 mm normal to the field
B. Now for deutrons,

(ii) When field B makes an angle of 30° Ckg

to the initial velocity V,
which means that the particles may be
deutrons, each of which contains one

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

proton and one neutron. The answer is not long and 1.5 cm apart? Is the force
unique because we have determined only attractive or repulsive?
the ratio of charge to mass. Other possible
[Haryana 01]
answers are He2+ and Li3+, etc.
Ans. cm
4.21 A straight horizontal conducting
m l = 70 cm = 0.70 m
rod of length 0.45 m and mass 60 g is
suspended by two vertical wires at its ends. The force per unit length between the
A current of 5.0 A is set up in the rod wires is
through the wires.
(a) What magnetic field should be set Nm
up normal to the conductor in order that the Nm
tension in the wires is zero?
Total force between the wires,
[CBSE D 15C]
F= f×l = 1.2 × 0.70 = 0.84 N
(b) What will be the total tension in the
wires if the direction of current is reversed, As the currents in the two wires are in
keeping the magnetic field same as opposite directions, the force is repulsive.
before? (Ignore the mass of the wires) g = 4.23. A uniform magnetic field of 1.5 T
9.8 ms-2. exists in a cylindrical region of radius 10.0
Ans Here l = 0.45 m, m - 60 g = 0.06 kg, cm, its direction being parallel to the axis
along east to west. A wire carrying current
7 = 5.0 A, g = 9.8 ms-2 of 7.0 A in the north to south direction
(a) Tension in the supporting wires will passes through this region. What is the
be zero when the weight of the rod is magnitude and direction of the force on the
balanced by the upward force IIB of the wire if
magnetic field. (i) the wire intersects the axis,
i.e., I IB = mg (ii) the wire is turned from N-S to north
east or north west direction,
T T
(iii) the wire in the N-S direction is lowered
from the axis by a distance of 6.0 cm ?
Ans. Here B = 1.5 T, I = 7.0 A (i) As shown
in Fig. 4.163, length of wire in cylindrical
region
= diameter AB of cylindrical region = 20 cm
According to Fleming's left hand rule, - 0.20 m
the magnetic field should be applied
normally into the plane of paper so as to
exert an upward magnetic force on the rod.
(b) If the direction of current is
reversed, the magnetic force will act in the
downward direction. Hence the total
tension in the wires will be
T = 2 × the weight of the rod
Fig. 4.163
= 2 × 0.06 × 9.8 N = 1.176 N.
As the wire lies in N-S direction and
4.22. The wires which connect the battery field acts along E-W direction, so θ = 90°
of an automobile to its starting motor
carry a current of300 A (for a short ∴ Force on wire,
time). What is the force per unit length
F = IBl sin θ = 7 × 1.5 × 0.20 × 1 = 2.1 N
between the wires if they are 70 cm

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By Fleming's left hand rule, this force

acts in the vertically downward direction.
(ii) When the wire turns from N-S to N-E
or N-W direction, suppose it makes angle θ
with field B, as shown in Fig. 4.164. Then
length of wire in magnetic field, A'B' = T
say.
Clearly or

Fig. 4.164
Force on wire,

Fig. 4.165
This force acts in the vertically downward
and 5 cm carries a current of 12 A. What is
direction.
the torque on the loop in the different cases
(iii) As shown in Fig. 4.159, when the shown in Fig. 4.165? What is the force on
wire is lowered by 6.0 cm, length of the each case? Which case corresponds to
wire in the magnetic field = 2x stable equilibrium?
But √ cm Ans. Here B = 3000 G = 3000 × 10-4 =
m 0.3 T,
∴ 2x = 0.16, θ = 90° A = 10 × 5 = 50cm2 = 50 × 10-4m / = 12
A
Force on wire, F = IIB = 7 × 0.16 × 1.5 =
1.68 N Magnetic moment,

This force also acts in the vertically m = I A = 12 × 50 × 10-4 = 0.06 Am2

downward direction. We apply right hand rule to various
4.24. A uniform magnetic field of 3000 G current loops to decide the direction of m.
is established along the positive Z (a) Here ⃗⃗ ̂ m ̂T
direction. A rectangular loop of sides 10
cm ∴ ⃗⃗ ⃗

̂ ̂ ̂
-2
Thus a torque of 1.8 × 10 Nm acts
along negative Y-axis.
(b) Here ⃗⃗ ̂ m ⃗ ̂T
Clearly, m and B are same as in case
(a). In this case also, a torque of 1.8 × 10-2
Nm acts along negative Y-axis.

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(c) Here ⃗⃗ ̂ m ⃗ ̂T (c) Force on each electron is

⃗⃗ ⃗
̂ ̂ N
̂ m
Thus a torque of 1.8 × 10 2
Nm acts For given wire,
along negative X-axis. m m
(d) This case is similar to case (c). But
here the direction of the torque is 60° N N
anticlockwise with negative X-direction i.e.,
4.26. A solenoid 60 cm long and of
240° with positive X-direction.
radius 4.0 cm has 3 layers of windings
(e) Here ⃗⃗ ̂ m ⃗ ̂T of 300 turns each. A 2.0 cm long wire of
mass 2.5 g lies inside the solenoid near
⃗⃗ ⃗ ̂ ̂
its centre normal to its axis ; both the
(f) Here ⃗⃗ ̂ m ⃗ ̂T wire and the axis of the solenoid are in
the horizontal plane. The wire is
⃗⃗ ⃗ ̂ ̂ connected through two leads parallel to
the axis of the solenoid to an external
The net force on the loop is zero in
battery which supplies a current of 6.0
each case.
A in the wire. What value of current
Case (e) corresponds to stable (with appropriate sense of circulation)
equilibrium, because here ⃗⃗ in is parallel in the windings of the solenoid can
to ⃗ support the weight of the wire? g = 9.8
ms-2.
Case (f) corresponds to unstable
equilibrium, because here ⃗⃗ in is Ans. Let I be the current in the windings
antiparallel to ⃗. of the solenoid which can support the
weight of the wire. The magnetic field
4.25. A circular coil of 20 turns and inside the solenoid along its axis will be
radius 10 cm is placed in a uniform
magnetic field of 0.10 T normal to the B - μ Q nl
plane of the coil. If the current in the coil Total number of turns
Here, Length of the solenoid
is 5.0 A, what is the (a) total torque on
the coil,
turns m
(b) total force on the coil,
(c) average force on each electron in the
coil due to the magnetic field ? tesla
(The coil is made of copper wire of This field acts perpendicular to the
cross-sectional area 10-5m2, and the free current carrying wire, therefore, the
electron density in copper is given to be magnetic force on the wire will be
about (1029 m-3).
Ans. N = 20, r = 10 cm = 0.10 m, B =
0.10T, newton
1 = 5.0 A, 0 = 0° The current 7 would support the wire if
the above force equals the weight of the
(a) Torque on the coil, wire,
= NIB A sin θ = 0 [∴ i.e.,
θ = 0°]
(b) Magnetic forces on the opposite
arms of coil are equal and opposite, and
act in the same plane ; hence the total
force on the coil is zero. 4.27. A galvanometer coil has a

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

resistance of 12 Ω and meter shows full 4.28. A galvanometer has a resistance

scale deflection for a current of 3 mA. How of 15 Ω and the meter shows full scale
will you convert the meter into a voltmeter deflection for a current of 4 mA. How will
of range 0 to 18 V? you convert the meter into an ammeter of
range 0 to 6 A?
Ans. Here R = 12Ω, I = 3 mA = 3 × 10-3
A, V = 18 V Ans. Here Rg = 15 Ω, Ig = 4 mA = 0.004
A, I = 6 A

= 0.010Ω =10
= 6000- 12 = 5988 Ω mΩ
By connecting a resistance of 5988 in By connecting a shunt of resistance 10
series with the given galvanometer, we get mΩ across the given galvanometer, we get
a voltmeter of range 0 to 18 V. an ammeter of range 0 to 6 A.
TEXT BASED EXERCISES
TYPE A : VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS 1 mark each)
1. State Oersted's observation. element (i) minimum and (ii)
maximum?
2. State Biot-Savart's law.
12. Figure 4.166 shows a circular loop
[ISCE 94]
carrying a current I.
3. Mathematically, Biot-Savart law may
Show the direction of the magnetic field
be expressed as
with the help of lines of force. [CBSE D 04]

Write the value of K in SI units.

4. What is the SI unit of μ 0 ?
5. What is the value of 4π / μ Q ? Fig. 4.166
6. State the rule that is used to find the 13. Which physical quantity has the unit
direction of magnetic field acting at a Wb m-2 ? Is it a scalar or a vector
point near a current carrying straight quantity?
conductor.
[CBSE D 04]
7. Write an expression for the magnetic
14. An electric current is flowing due south
field produced by an infinitely long
along a power line. What is the
straight wire carrying a current I, at a
direction of the magnetic field at a point
short distance a from itself.
(a) above it and (b) below it?
[ISCE 98]
15. How does a current carrying coil
8. Show the magnetic lines of force behave like a bar magnet?
around a straight
[CBSE D 11]
current carrying conductor.
16. Draw the magnetic field lines due to a
[Punjab 97C] current carrying loop.
9. What is the nature of the magnetic field [CBSE D 13C ; OD 16]
associated with the current in a straight
17. How much is the flux density B at the
conductor ?
centre of a long solenoid ?
10. Where is the magnetic field due to
[ISCE 95, 97]
current through circular loop uniform ?
18. What is a toroid ?
11. Where is the magnetic field of a current
19. What is magnetic Lorentz force ?

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[Punjab 01] Would the particle gain any energy ?

20. Write the expressionn, in a vector form, [CBSE F 13]
for the Lorentz magnetic force due to 32. An electron with speed v enters at right
a charge moving with velocity in a angle in a region of uniform magnetic
magnetic field ⃗ . What is the direction field B. Write the expression for the
of the magnetic force ? [CBSE D 14, radius of the path it follows.
16]
[CBSE F 1995]
21. A particle of charge q moves with a
velocity v at an angle θ to a magnetic 33. An electron beam projected along +
field B. What is the force experienced X-axis, experiences a force due to a
by the particle ? magnetic field along the + Y-axis. What
is the direction of the magnetic field ?
[ISCE 93 ; CBSE F 91]
22. What is the force experienced by a [CBSE D 05]
stationary charge in a magnetic field ?
[Himachal 02] 34. An electron and a proton moving with
the same speed enter the same
23. What is the work done by magnetic field magnetic field region at right angles to
on a moving charge ? [Haryana 94] the direction of the field. For which of
24. Write down the expression for the the two particles will the radius of
Lorentz force on a charged particle. circular path be smaller ?
[Himachal 99 ; Punjab 99, 99C] [CBSE OD 98]
25. State the condition under which a 35. A charged particle moving in a uniform
charged particle moving with velocity v magnetic field penetrates a layer of
goes undeflected in a magnetic field B. lead and thereby loses ' one-half of its
[CBSE F 17] kinetic energy. How does the radius of
26. State Fleming's left hand rule. curvature of its path change ?

[Pb 01 ; CBSE D 94C] [CBSE F 10C]

27. An electron beam is moving vertically 36. Write the condition under which an
downwards. If it passes through a electron will move undeflected in the
magnetic field which is directed from presence of crossed electric and
south to north in a horizontal plane, magnetic fields. [CBSE F 13 ; OD 14C]
then in which direction the beam would 37. A straight conductor AB of a circuit lies
be deflected ? [CBSE D 96C] along the X-axis from x = - a / 2 to x = +
28. What will be the path of a charged a / 2 and carries a current 1. What is the
particle moving perpendicular to a magnetic field due to this conductor AB
uniform magnetic field ? at a point x = + a ?

[CBSE D 93J 38. State the principle of a cyclotron.

29. What can be the cause of helical [Punjab 01]

motion of a charged particle ? 39. Does the time spent by a proton inside
[CBSE OD 16] the dees of a cyclotron depend on (z)
the speed of the proton and (ii) the
30. What will be the path of a charged radius of its circular path?
particle moving along the direction of a
uniform magnetic field ? 40. In a field, the force experienced by
charge depends upon its velocity and
[CBSE OD 95] becomes zero, when it is at rest. Is the
31. When a charged particle moving with a field electric or magnetic in nature?
velocity is subjected to a magnetic 41. In a field, the force experienced by a
field ⃗ the force acting on it is non-zero. charge depends only upon the

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

magnitude of the field and does not 53. What is the value of net force acting on
depend upon the velocity. What is the a current carrying (z) rectangular and
nature of the field? (ii) circular loop, placed in a uniform
magnetic field ? What do you expect
42. What is the force that a conductor ⃗⃗⃗ , about the torque in each case ?
carrying a current I experiences when
placed in a magnetic field ⃗ . What is 54. Write an expression for the torque
the direction of the force? acting on a current carrying coil located
in a uniform magnetic field.
[CBSE OD 90]
55. Write an expression for the magnitude
43. An electroii beam is moving of the torque acting on a current
horizontally in a tube. The vertical carrying coil placed in a uniform radial
component of earth's magnetic field is magnetic field.
directed downwards. In which direction
will the electron beam be deflected? 56. Under what circumstances will a
current carrying loop not rotate in the
44. A charged particle moves in a uniform magnetic field ?
magnetic field at right angles to the
direction of the field. Which of the 57. State the principle of working of a
following quantities will change : speed, moving coil galvanometer.
velocity, momentum, kinetic energy, [CBSE D 15, 16]
displacement ? 58. What do you mean by the figure of
45. In which orientation is the force merit of a galvanometer ?
experienced by a current-carrying 59. Define the current sensitivity of a
conductor placed in a magnetic field moving coil galvanometer and state its
maximum ? SI unit.
46. A current carrying conductor does not [CBSE D 17 ; OD 13, 13C, 16, 17C]
tend to deflect in a magnetic field. What
conclusion can be drawn from it ? 60. Write two factors by which the current
sensitivity of a moving coil
47. Name the rule that gives the direction galvanometer can be increased.
of force on a current-carrying conductor
placed perpendicular to the magnetic [CBSE D 01 ; F 08 ; OD 16]
field. 61. Define voltage sensitivity of a moving
48. Write an expression for the force coil galvanometer. Give its SI unit.
between two parallel short wires [Punjab 91]
carrying currents. 62. Write two factors by which voltage
49. Two current elements are placed a sensitivity of a moving coil
certain distance apart but not parallel to galvanometer can be increased.
each other. Do they exert equal and [CBSE D 01 ; F 08]
opposite forces on each other ?
63. What is the nature of the magnetic field
50. What is the direction of force between in a moving coil galvanometer ?
two parallel wires carrying currents in [CBSE D 96 ; OD 96]
opposite directions ?
64. State two properties of the material of
51. The force existing between two parallel the wire used for suspension of the coil
current carrying conductors is F. If the in a moving coil galvanometer.
current in each conductor is doubled, [CBSE OD 01, 06C]
what is the value of the force between
65. The current sensitivity of a moving coil
them ?
galvanometer is 5 division/mA and
52. Is the force between two parallel voltage sensitivity is 20 division/volt.
current-carrying wires affected by the Find the resistance of the
nature of the dielectric medium galvanometer.
between them ?

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

66. An electron and a proton, having equal enters normal to the field direction and
momenta, enter a uniform magnetic the other enters along a direction at 30°
field at right angles to the field lines. with the field, what would be the ratio of
What will be the ratio of curvature of their angular frequencies ?
their trajectories ?
[CBSE Sample Paper 08]
[CBSE Sample Paper 05]
79. n α-particle and a proton are moving
67. An electron is moving with a velocity v, in the plane of the paper in a region
along the axis of a long straight where there is a uniform magnetic field
solenoid, carrying a current I. What will ( ⃗ ) directed normal to the plane of the
be the force acting on the electron due paper. If the two particles have equal
to the magnetic field of the solenoid ? linear momenta, what will be the ratio of
[CBSE Sample Paper 05] the radii of their trajectories in the field
? [CBSE Sample Paper 08]
68. Among alpha, beta and gamma
radiations, which get deflected by the 80. Why should the spring/suspension wire
magnetic field ? [CBSE F 04] in a moving coil galvanometer have low
torsional constant ?
69. A solenoid coil of 300 turns/m is
carrying a current of 5 A. The length of [CBSE OD 08]
the solenoid is 0.5 m and has a radius 81. The coils, in certain galvanometers,
of 1 cm. Find the magnitude of the have a fixed core made of a
magnetic field inside the solenoid. non-magnetic metallic material. Why
[CBSE F 04] does the oscillating coil come to rest so
70. What is the resistance of an ideal quickly in such a core ?
ammeter ? [CBSE D 08C]
71. What is the resistance of an ideal 82. A long straight wire carries a current I
voltmeter ? along the positive y-direction. A particle
72. Why should an ammeter have a high of charge +Q is moving with a velocity
current carrying capacity ? along the .t-axis. In which direction
will the particle experience a force ?
73. Why should a voltmeter have a low
current carrying capacity ? [CBSE F 13]

74. What is the effective resistance of an 83. Two particles A and B of masses m and
ammeter if a shunt of resistance Rs is 2m have charges q and 2q
used across the terminals of a respectively. Both these particles
galvanometer of resistance R ? moving with velocities v1 and v2
respectively in the same direction enter
75. Suppose a shunt of resistance 0.01 Ω the same magnetic field B acting
is connected across a galvanometer, normally to their direction of motion. If
what can be said about the resistance the two forces FA and FB acting on them
of the resulting ammeter ? are in the ratio 1 : 2, find the ratio of
76. A student wants to increase the range their velocities.
of an ammeter from 1 mA to 5 mA. [CBSE D 11 C]
What should be done to the shunt
resistance ? 84. beam of α particles projected along +
x-axis, experiences a force due to
77. What is the direction of the force acting magnetic field along the + y-axis. What
on a charged particle q, moving with a is the direction of the magnetic field ?
velocity in a uniform magnetic field ⃗ (Fig. 4.167) 4 [CBSE OD 10]
?
78. Two identical charged particles moving
with same speed enter a region of
uniform magnetic field. If one of these

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

deuterons, having the same

momentum values, enter a region of a
uniform magnetic field directed
perpendicular to their common
direction of motion. What would be the
ratio of the radii of the circular paths,
described by the protons and
deuterons ?
Fig. 4.167 [CBSE F 11]
85 A beam of electrons projected along + 87. A square coil, OPQR, of side a,
x-axis, experiences a force due to a carrying a current 1, is placed in the
magnetic field along the + y-axis. What Y-Z plane as shown in Fig. 4.169. Find
is the direction of the magnetic field ? the magnetic moment associated with
(Fig. 4.168) this coil.
[CBSE OD 10] [CBSE Sample Paper 13]

Fig. 4.168
86. A narrow stream, of protons and Fig. 4.169

Answers
1. A magnetic needle brought close to a According to this rule if we grasp the
straight current-carrying wire aligns itself conductor in the right hand so that the
perpendicular to the wire, reversing the thumb points in the direction of the
direction of current reverses the direction current, then the magnetic field will be
of deflection. in the direction of the curl of the fingers.
2. According to Biot-Savart law, the 7. 8. See Fig. 4.8.
magnetic field due to a current element
I ⃗⃗⃗ at the observation point whose 9. The magnetic field consists of concentric
position vector is is given by circular lines of force with the conductor at
their centre and in a plane perpendicular to
⃗⃗⃗ the conductor.
⃗
10 At the centre of the current loop.
where μ 0 is the permeability of free space.
11. (i) Magnetic field is minimum (zero)
3. Tm along the axis of a current element.

4. SI unit of permeability (ii) Magnetic field due to current element is

maximum in a plane passing through
or
the element and perpendicular to
5. T m itgjaxis.
12. See Fig. 4.25.
6. The direction of magnetic field due to a
straight conductor can be determined 13. Wb m-2 is the SI unit of magnetic field B
with the help of right hand thumb rule. which is a vector quantity.

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14. According to right hand rule, the on the charged particle.

direction of the field is (a) towards west
27. Towards west. 28. Circular
above the wire and (b) towards east
path.
below the wire.
29. When a charged particle moves
15. A current carrying loop behaves as a
inclined (θ is neither 0 nor π / 2) to the
bar magnet because (i) it possesses a
magnetic field, its motion is helical.
magnetic dipole moment (m=IA), and
(ii) it experiences a torque in an 30. The charged particle will move along a
external magnetic field. This torque straight line path.
tends to align the axis of the loop along 31. The magnetic force acts perpendicular
the direction of the field. to the direction of motion of the charged
16. See Fig. 4.25. particle. No work is done by the
magnetic force on it. The particle does
17. The magnetic field well inside a long
not gain any energy.
solenoid having n turns per unit length
and carrying current I is 32. Magnetic force on electron =
Centripetal force
18. An anchor ring around which a large
number of turns of a metallic wire are
wound is called a toroid. R DIUS,

19. The force experienced by a charged 33. According to Fleming's left hand rule,
particle while moving through a region the magnetic field acts in the
of magnetic field is called magnetic +Z-direction.
Lorentz force.
34. Radius, i.e.,
It is given by ⃗
As electron has smaller mass than proton,
20. ⃗ The direction of the force so it will circulate in a circular path of
is perpendicular to the plane containing smaller radius.
vectors and ⃗ . 35. Radius of curvature,
21. F = qvB sin θ.
√
22. For a stationary charge, v = 0. √ i.e., √
Therefore, F = qvB sin θ = q (0) B sin θ = 0.
23. Zero, because a magnetic force acts ∴ If the kinetic energy is halved, radius
perpendicular to the direction of of curvature is reduced to ⁄√ times its
velocity or the direction of motion of the initial value.
charged particle. 36. For undeflected beam,
24. ⃗ ⃗
or or
25. Force on a charge moving parallel or
antiparallel to the direction of the 37. Zero, because the observation point
magnetic field is zero F = qvB sin (0° or lies on the axis of the straight
180°) = 0. conductor.
26. Fleming's left hand rule gives the 38. Refer answer to Q. 16 on page 4.34.
direction of force on a charged particle
39. Time spent by a proton inside the dees
moving in a magnetic field : Stretch the
of a cyclotron is independent of both its
thumb and the first two fingers of the
speed and radius of its circular path.
left hand so that they are perpendicular
to each other. If the forefinger points in 40. The field is magnetic in nature.
the direction of magnetic field, central
41. The field is electric in nature.
finger in the direction of current, then
the thumb gives the direction of force 42. ⃗⃗⃗ ⃗

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

The direction of force is perpendicular 55. = NIBA.

to the plane of ⃗⃗⃗ and ⃗ and will point in 56. If the current carrying loop is placed in
the same direction in which a a magnetic field, with its plane
right-handed screw, when rotated from perpendicular to the field, then it will not
⃗⃗⃗ and ⃗ , will advance. rotate.
43. Towards west. 57. Refer to point 26 of Glimpses.
44. Only velocity, momentum and 58. The figure of merit of a galvanometer is
displacement will change as they are defined as the amount of current
all vectors. required to produce one scale
deflection in the galvanometer.
45. When the conductor is held
perpendicular to the magnetic field, it It is given by
experiences a maximum force.
59. The current sensitivity of a
46. This means that no force is acting on galvanometer is defined as the
the current carrying wire due to the deflection produced in the
magnetic field. This is possible when galvanometer on passing unit current
the conductor is parallel to the direction through it.
of the magnetic field.
47. Fleming's left hand rule. Current sensitivity =

48. The force between two parallel short The SI unit of current sensitivity is radian
wires of lengths and , separated ampere-1.
by distance r and carrying currents I1 60. The current sensitivity of a moving coil
and I2 respectively, is given by galvanometer can be increased by (i)
increasing the number of turns in the
galvanometer coil, (ii) decreasing the
torsion constant of its suspension fibre.
49. Like other forces, these forces also
obey Newton's third law of action and 61. The voltage sensitivity of a moving coil
reaction and are, therefore, equal and galvanometer is defined as the
opposite. deflection produced in the
galvanometer when a unit voltage is
50. The direction of force is perpendicular
applied across its coil.
to the two wires and is outwards, so
that the two wires repel each other. Voltage sensitivity =
51. The value of force is 4F. This is The SI unit of voltage sensitivity is radian
because force between two parallel volt-1.
current carrying conductors is
proportional to the product of the 62. The voltage sensitivity of a moving coil
currents through them. galvanometer can be increased by
52. No. This interaction is between the (i) increasing the number of turns of the
magnetic fields produced by the two galvanometer coil
wires which does not depend on the (ii) decreasing the torsion constant of the
nature of the dielectric medium. suspension fibre.
53. In each case the net force is zero but 63. Radial magnetic field is used in a
torque is non-zero. moving coil galvanometer.
54. If a coil of area A, turns N and carrying 64. The material used for the suspension
current 1 is held in a uniform magnetic wire of a moving coil galvanometer
field ⃗ , it experiences a torque given by should have following properties :
= NIB A sin θ, where θ is the angle
(i) Small torsion constant k which makes
between ⃗ and the normal to the plane
the galvanometer highly sensitive.
of the loop.

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(ii) High tensile strength so that even thin plane of the vectors ⃗.
wire does not break under the weight of
the suspension coil. 78. Angular frequency, . It is
65. Here Is - 5 div mA-3 = 5 × 103div A-1, independent of m angle θ.

Vs = 20div V-1 I, 5× 103 ∴ Ratio of the angular frequencies, ω1 : ω2

= 1:1.
79. Radius,

66. s i.e., For same p and B,

80. Low torsional constant of the

67. F - evB sin 0° = 0. suspension wire ensures high
68. Alpha and beta radiations are deflected sensitivity of the moving coil
by the magnetic field. galvanometer.
69. B = μ Qnl = 4π × 10-7 × 300 × 5 = 1.9 × 81. The eddy currents set up in the metallic
10- 3 T. material oppose the motion of the coil
in the magnetic field and hence bring it
70. Zero. 71. Infinite. to rest at once.
72. Due to high current carrying capacity,
82. The field ⃗ due to current I acts along –
an ammeter is not damaged by
ve z-direction. By Fleming's left hand
excessive currents.
rule, the charge + Q will experience a
73. Due to low current carrying capacity, force along +ve y-direction.
the voltmeter will draw only a small part
of the total current. The potential 83.
difference (V = IR) to be measured will
not be much different from the actual 84. By Fleming's left hand rule, the
value. magnetic field acts along - z-axis.
74. Effective resistance of ammeter, 85. By Fleming's left hand rule, the
magnetic field is directed along +
z-axis.
75. The resistance of the resulting 86. Radius,
ammeter will be less than 0.01 Ω.
76. The value of shunt resistance should For same p and B,
be reduced so that more current may
pass through it. 87. By right hand rule, the direction of
magnetic moment will be along +ve
77. The force acts in the direction of the X-direction.
vector ⃗ i.e., perpendicular to the
∴ ⃗⃗ ̂ ̂
TYPE B : SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (2 OR 3 MARKS EACH)
1. Briefly describe Oersted's experiment [ISCE 93 ; CBSE D 02 C ; OD 14C]
leading to the discovery of magnetic
3. A wire of length L is bent into a
effect of current. State Ampere's
semi-circular loop. Use Biot-Savart law
swimming rule.
to deduce an expression for the
2. State Biot-Savart's law in vector form magneitc field at the centre due to
expressing the magnetic field due to an current I passing through it.
element ⃗⃗⃗ carrying current I at a [CBSE D 11 C]
distance from the element. How will 4. Using Biot-Savart's law, derive the
you find the direction of the magnetic expression for the magnitude of the
field ? magnetic field at the centre of a circular

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

loop of radius r carrying a steady (i) inside on the axis and (ii) outside the
current I. Draw the field lines due to the combined system. [CBSE D 14]
current loop.
[ISCE 96 ; CBSE D 01C ; OD 14 C]
5. State Biot-Savart law. Deduce the
expression for the magnetic field at a
point on the axis of a current carrying
circular loop of radius ' R', distant V
from the centre. Hence write the
magnetic field at the centre of a loop.
[CBSE D 05 ; OD 05, 15]
6. State Ampere's circuital law and prove
this law for a circular path around a
long current carrying conductor.
[Himachal 98 ; Haryana 98C, 01] Fig. 4.170
7. State Ampere's circuital law. Use this 11. A long straight wire of a circular
law to find magnetic field due to straight cross-section of radius V carries a steady
infinite current. current '/'. The current is uniformly
[CBSE OD 16] distributed across the cross-section. Apply
Ampere's circuital law to calculate the
8. A long solenoid with closely wound magnetic field at a point ‘r’ in the region for
turns has n turns, per unit of its length. (i) r <a and (ii) r > a.
A steady current 7 flows through this
solenoid. Use Ampere's circuital law to [CBSE D 10]
obtain an expression, for the magnetic
12. Write an expression for force acting
field, at a point on its axis and close to
on a charge q moving with a velocity in
its mid point. Draw its field lines.
[CBSE D 04. C, 14C] the region, where magnetic induction ⃗ is
uniform. How does the speed change, as
9. (a) How is a toroid different from a the charge moves? Under what
solenoid ? circumstances the force shall be zero?
(b) Use Ampere's circuital law to obtain the [ISCE 96]
magnetic field inside a toroid.
13. (a) Write the expression for the force
(c) Show that in an ideal toroid, the acting on a particle of mass m and charge
magnetic field (i) inside the toroid and q moving with velocity in a magnetic field
(ii) outside the toroid at any point in the ⃗ . Under what conditions will it move in (i) a
open space is zero. circular path and (ii) a helical path?
[CBSE OD 08, 14C] [CBSE D 17]
10. ( a) State Ampere's circuital law, (b) Show that the kinetic energy of the
expressing it in the integral form. particle moving in a magnetic field
remains constant.
(b) Two long coaxial insulated solenoids,
s and s of equal lengths are wound one 14. Consider themotion of a charged
over the other as shown in the figure. A particle of mass 'm’ and charge 'q'
steady current "I" flows through the inner moving with velocity in a magnetic
solenoid ^ to the other end B, which is field ⃗ .
connected to the outer solenoid S, through
which the same current "I" flows in the (a) If is perpendicular to ⃗ , show that it
opposite direction so as to come out at end describes a circular path having angular
A. If n and n are the number of turns per frequency ω = qB / m
unit length, find the magnitude and (b) If the velocity has a component
direction of the net magnetic field at a point parallel to the magnetic field ⃗ , trace the

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

path described by the particle. Justify your acquired by the particles.

answer. [CBSE D 14C]
[CBSE OD 13]
15. A uniform magnetic field ⃗ is set up 21. State the principle of a cyclotron. Show
along the positive x-axis. A particle of that the time period of revolution of
charge ‘q' and mass 'm' moving with a particles in a cyclotron is independent
velocity enters the field at the origin in of their speeds. Why is this property
X - V plane such that it has velocity necessary for the operation of a
components both along and cyclotron ?
perpendicular to the magnetic field ⃗ .
Trace, giving reason, the trajectory [CBSE OD 16]
followed by the particle. Find out the 22. Derive an expression for the maximum
expression for the distance moved by force experienced by a straight
the particle along the magnetic field in conductor of length I, carrying current I
one rotation. [CBSE OD 15] and kept in a uniform magnetic field, B.
16. Find the condition under which the [CBSE D 06C]
charged particles moving with different 23. Two long straight parallel conductors
speeds in the presence of electric and carry steady currents I↑ and I2
magnetic field vectors can be used to separated by a distance ci. If the
select charged particles of a particular currents are flowing in the same
speed. [CBSE OD 17] direction, show how the magnetic field
17. (i) Obtain the expression for the set-up hr one produces an attractive
cyclotron frequency. force on the other. Obtain the
expression for this force. Hence define
(ii) A deuteron and a proton are one ampere. [CBSE D 09,16]
accelerated by the cyclotron. Can both
be accelerated with the same oscillator 24. Derive a formula for the force between
frequency? Give reason to justify your two parallel straight conductors
answer. carrying current in opposite directions
and write the nature of the force.
[CBSE D 17] Hence, define an ampere.
18. A hydrogen ion of mass 'm’ and charge [CBSE OD 98]
'q' travels with a speed V along a circle
of radius V in a uniform magnetic field 25. Derive an expression for the torque on
of flux density ‘B. Obtain the expression a rectangular coil of area A, carrying a
for the magnetic force on the ion and current I and placed in a magnetic field
determine its time period. [CBSE D B. The angle between the direction of B
03C ; OD 04] and vector perpendicular to the plane
of the coil is θ. Indicate the direction of
19. Show that the frequency of revolution, the torque acting on the loop.
of a charged particle (in the X-Y plane),
̂ , [CBSE F 09 ; D 17C]
in a uniform magnetic field ⃗ ⃗
is independent of its speed. 26. A rectangular coil of sides and 'b'
carrying a current I is subjected to a
Which practical machine makes use of this uniform magnetic field B acting
fact? What is the frequency of the perpendicular to its plane. Obtain the
alternating electric field, used in this expression for the torque acting on it.
machine? [CBSE D 14C]
[CBSE D 09C] 27. A rectangular loop of area A, having N
20. Draw a schematic sketch of a turns and
cyclotron. Explain clearly the role of carrying a current of I ampere is held in a
crossed electric and magnetic fields in uniform magnetic field B. (i) Write the
accelerating the charge. Hence derive expression for the maximum torque
the expression for the kinetic energy experienced by the loop, (ii) In which

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

orientation, will the loop be in stable magnetic force acting on a charged

equilibrium ? particle q moving with velocity in the
[CBSE OD 98C] presence of the magnetic field ⃗ in a
vector form. [CBSE OD 16C]
28. State the principle of a moving coil
galvanometer. Show that the current (ii) Show that no work is done and no
passing through the coil is directly change in the magnitude of the velocity
proportional to the deflection of the coil. of the particle is produced by this force.
29. A moving coil galvanometer consists of (iii) Hence define the unit of magnetic field.
a rectangular coil of N turns, each of 33. Three long straight parallel wires are
area A, suspended in a radial magnetic kept as shown in Fig. 4.171. The wire
field of flux density B. Derive the (3) carries a current I
expression for the torque on the coil,
when current I passes through it. Draw
suitable labelled diagram.
[CBSE D 93C]
30. A moving coil galvanometer of
resistance G gives a full scale
deflection for a current I. Use the
suitable circuit diagram to convert it into
an ammeter of range 0 to . Fig. 4.171
Deduce the expression for the shunt
requried for this conversion. Hence (i) The direction of flow of current I in wire
write the expression for the resistance (3) is such that the net force, on wire
of the ammeter thus obtained. (1), due to the other two wires, is zero.
[Punjab 2000 ; CBSE D 09C] (ii) By reversing the direction of I, the net
31. Explain how will you convert a force, on wire (2), due to the other two
galvanometer into a voltmeter to read a wires, becomes zero. What will be the
maximum potential difference of V directions of current I, in the two cases?
volts. Can one use a voltmeter to Also obtain the relation between the
measure the emf of a cell? Justify your magnitudes of currents I1, I2 and I.
answer. [CBSE OD 97C, F 98] [CBSE D 16C]
32. (i) Write the expression for the

Answers
1. Refer answer to Q. 2 on page 4.1. page 4.26.
2. Refer answer to Q. 3 on page 4.2. 8. Refer answer to Q. 10 on page 4.23.
3. Refer to solution of Example 17 on 9. Refer answer to Q. 11 on page 4.24.
page 4.16.
10. (a) ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗
Here or
(b) (i) Magnetic field inside solenoid
Magnetic field inside
solenoid As the currents in
4. Refer answer to Q. 7 on page 4.12. the two solenoids are oppositely directed,
See Fig. 4.25. so direction of is opposite to that of Bl. The
net magnetic field at any inside point along
5. Refer answer to Q. 8 on page 4.13. the axis,
See Fig. 4.25 on page 4.14.
B= B1- B2=μ0(n1-n2)I
6. Refer answer to Q. 9 on page 4.22.
(ii) Outside the combined system, net
7. Refer to solution of Example 33 on

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

magnetic field = 0. such that or or

11. Refer to the solution of Example 33(f)
on page 4.26.
17. (i) Refer answer to Q. 17 (Theory part)
12. Force, ⃗ . The speed of the on page 4.40. (ii) Cyclotron frequency,
charge is not affected in the magnetic
field. Force will be zero if = 0 or if
No. The masses of proton and deuteron
is parallel or antiparallel to ⃗ .
are different but charge is same. As fc
13. (a) ⃗ depends inversely on mass m, protons and
deuterons cannot be accelerated by the
(i) When the charged particle moves same oscillator frequency.
perpendicular to the magnetic field, it
will move in a circular path. 18. In the uniform magnetic field, the
magnetic force on the hydrogen ion
(ii) When charged particle moves obliquely acts perpendicular to both v and B.
(neither parallel nor perpendicular) to
the magnetic field, it will move in a ∴ F = evB sin 90° = evB
helical path. Magnetic force on the hydrogen ion =
(b) The magnetic force acts on the charged Centripetal force
particle perpendicular to its instantaneous
velocity v, at all instants. It cannot change or
the speed of the particle. As speed remains
constant, the kinetic energy also remains Time period of hydrogen ion,
constant.
14. (a) Magnetic force acts on the charged
particle in a direction perpendicular to 19. Refer answer to Q. 15(2) on page 4.33.
both and B and provides centripetal
force. We obtain,
∴ Magnetic force, A cyclotron makes use of this fact in which
alternating electric field of frequency f is
Centripetal force, or applied.
20. Refer answer to Q. 17 on page 4.40.
21. Refer answer to Q. 17 on page 4.40.
(b) Refer answer to Q. 15(3) on page 4.34. 22. Refer answer to Q. 19 on page 4.44.
15. Refer answer to Q. 15(3) on page 4.34. 23. Refer answer to Q. 21 on page 4.49.
16. The directions of ⃗ and ⃗ must be 24. Refer answer to Q. 21 on page 4.49.
perpendicular to each other and also 25. Refer answer to Q. 22 on page 4.53.
perpendicular to the direction of v so that
electric and magnetic forces are in 26. Magnetic moment associated with the
opposite directions. current carrying coil is ⃗⃗ ̂ ̂
where ̂ is a unit vector perpendicular to
the plane of the coil.
Torque, ⃗⃗ ⃗ ̂ ⃗ ⃗ ⃗
This is because n and B are either parallel
or antiparallel vectors.
27. Refer answer to Q. 22 on page 4.53.
The loop will be in stable equilibrium
The magnitudes of ⃗ and ⃗ should be when m is parallel to B .

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

28. Refer answer to Q. 23 on page 4.57. (iii) Magnitude,

29. Refer answer to Q. 23 on page 4.57.
N N
30. Refer answer to Q. 26 on page 4.63. SI unit of
C ms m
-I -1
31. Refer answer to Q. 28 on page 4.64. = 1NA m =1 tesla
No, a voltmeter cannot be used to
measure the emf a cell. A voltmeter So one tesla is the magnetic field in which
requires a small current for its a charge of 1 C moving with a velocity of
operation. It measures p.d. in a closed lms-1 at right angles to the field experiences
circuit, which is less than the emf of the a force of one newton.
cell. 33. (i) The net force on wire (1) will be
⃗ zero only when the forces exerted by wires
32. (i) (2) and (3) on wire (1) are equal and
(ii) The magnetic force acts, at all opposite. For this, the current in wire (3)
instants, perpendicular to the must flow in a direction opposite to I2 i.e.,
instantaneous direction of , which is downwards or along -Y direction.
also the instantaneous direction of
displacement ( ). So acts
perpendicular to at all instants.
(ii) When the current in wire (3) is reversed,
I flows upwards or along +Y direction.
The net force on wire (2) will become
As no work is done by the magnetic force,
zero when the forces exerted by wires
there can be no change in the K.E. and
(1) and (3) are equal and opposite.
hence no change in the magnitude of the
velocity of the charged particle by this
force.

TYPE C : LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 marks each)

1. (i) Write any two important points of from its centre. How is the direction of
similarities and differences each between the magnetic field determined at this
Coulomb's law for the electrostatic field point? Draw the magnetic field lines
and Biot-Savart's law for the magnetic field. due to this coil.
(b) Use Biot-Savart's law to find the [CBSE D 16 ; F 17]
expression for the magnetic field due to
(b) A current 'F enters a uniform circular
a circular loop of radius 'r' carrying
loop of radius' R' at point M and flows
current 'I', at its centre.
out at N as shown in the figure. Obtain
[CBSE F 15] the net magnetic field at the centre of
the loop.
2. State Biot-Savart law expressing it in
vector form. Use it to obtain the [CBSE D 15C]
magnetic field, at an axial point, distant
r from the centre of a circular coil of
radius a carrying a current I. Hence,
compare the magnitudes of the
magnetic field of this coil at the centre
and at an axial point for which r = √3 a.
[CBSE SP 08]
3. (i) Use Biot-Savart law to derive the
Fig. 4.172
expression for the magnetic field due to
a circular coil of radius R having N turns 4. (A) Write, using Biot-Savart law, the
at a point on the axis at a distance 'x' expression for the magnetic field element

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

⃗⃗⃗ carrying current I at a distance from it solenoid specifying its polarity and
in a vector form. show that it acts as a bar magnet of
magnetic moment m = NIA.
Hence derive the expression for the [CBSE OD 13, D 15]
magnetic field due to a current carrying
loop of radius R at a point P distant x from
its centre along the axis of the loop. 8. (a) Using Ampere's circuital law, obtain
(b) Explain how Biot-Savart law enables the expression for the magnetic field
one to express the Ampere's circuital due to a long solenoid at a point inside
law in the integral form, viz., ⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ the solenoid on its axis.
, where I is the total current passing (b) In what respect is a toroid different from
through the surface. a solenoid ? Draw and compare the
[CBSE OD 15] pattern of the magnetic field lines in two
cases.
5. (a) State Ampere's circuital law
(c) How is the magnetic field inside a given
connecting the line integral of ⃗ over a solenoid made strong ?
closed path to the net current crossing the
area bounded by the path. [CBSE OD 11]
(b) Use Ampere's law to derive the formula 9. Derive a mathematical expression for
for the magnetic field due to an infinitely the force acting on a current carrying
long straight current carrying wire. straight conductor kept in a magnetic
field. State the rule used to determine
(c) Explain carefully why the derivation as the direction of this force. Under what
in (b) is not valid for magnetic field in a conditions is this force (i) zero and (ii)
plane normal to a current-carrying maximum ? [CBSE D 97C, 98]
straight wire of finite length and passing
through the midpoint of the axis. 10. Draw a schematic sketch of a
[CBSE OD 16] cyclotron. Explain briefly how it works and
how it is used to accelerate the charged
6. (a) Show how Biot-Savart law can be particles. [CBSE D 08 ; OD 09]
alternatively expressed in the form of
Ampere's circuital law. Use this law to (i) Show that time period of ions in a
obtain the expression for the magnetic field cyclotron is independent of both the
inside a solenoid of length '/', speed and radius of circular path.
cross-sectional area 'A' having 'N' closely (ii) What is resonance condition ? How is it
wound turns and carrying a steady current' used to accelerate the charged
/'. (b) Sketch the magnetic field lines for a particles ?
finite solenoid. Explain why the field at the
exterior midpoint is weak while at the 11. With the help of a labelled diagram,
interior it is uniform and strong. state the underlying principle of a
[CBSE D 06C, 15C] cyclotron. Explain clearly how it works
to accelerate the charged particles.
7. (a) State Ampere's circuital law. Use Show that cyclotron frequency is
this law to obtain the expression for the independent of energy of the particle. Is
magnetic field inside an air cored toroid of there an upper limit on the energy
average radius ‘r', having 'n' turns per unit acquired by the particle ? Give reason.
length and carrying a steady current I.
Show that the magnetic field in the open [CBSE Dll, 14, 14C]
space inside and exterior to the toroid is 12. (i) Derive an expression for the force
zero. between two long parallel current carrying
(b) An observer to the left of a solenoid of N conductors.
turns each of cross-section area 'A' (b) Use this expression to define SI unit of
observes that a steady current / in it current.
flows in the clockwise direction. Depict
the magnetic field lines due to the (c) A long straight wire AB carries a current

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

I. A proton P travels with a speed v, (b) A rectangular current carrying loop

parallel to the wire, at a distance d from EFGH is kept in a uniform magnetic
it in a direction opposite to the current field as shown in Fig. 4.175.
as shown in Fig. 4.174.
(i) What is the direction of the magnetic
What is the force experienced by the moment of the current loop ?
proton and what is its direction?
(ii) When is the torque acting on the loop
[CBSE D 06 ; OD 10] (A) maximum, (B) zero ? [CBSE OD 05,
09]

Fig. 4.174
13. Derive an expression for the torque
acting on a loop of N turns, area A, Fig. 4.175
carrying current 1, when held in a 15. (a) With the help of a diagram, explain
magnetic field B. With the help of a the principle and working of a moving
circuit diagram, show how a moving coil galvanometer.
coil galvanometer can be converted
into an ammeter of given range. Write (b) What is the importance of a radial
the necessary mathematical formula. magnetic field and how is it produced?
[CBSE D 04] (c) Why is it necessary to introduce a
14. (a) Two straight long parallel cylindrical soft iron core inside the coil
conductors carry currents l1 and l2 in of a galvanometer?
the same direction. Deduce the (d) "Increasing the current sensitivity of a
expression for the force per unit length galvanometer may not necessarily
between them. increase its voltage sensitivity". Justify
Depict the pattern of magnetic field lines this statement.
around them. [CBSE D 06, 13C ; OD 14, 14C, 15,16]
Answers
1. (a) Refer answer to Q. 4 on page 4.3. into two parts : I1 along the smaller part and
I2 along the larger part of the loop.
(b) Refer answer to Q. 7 on page 4.12.
Field due to I1 at O,
2. Refer answer to Q. 8 on page 4.13.
⃗ normally into the paper.
axial ⁄
Field due to I2 at O,
⃗ normally out of the paper.
√ ⁄

[Put r= 0]
centre ⁄

∴
√

3. (a) Refer answer to Q. 8 on page 4.13.

See Fig. 4.25.
Fig. 4.176
(b) At point M, let the current I be divided

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

Net field at ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ so the net magnetic moment of the

solenoid is NIA.
⃗
8. (a) Refer answer to Q. 10 on page 4.23.
As the resistance of the larger part is 3 (b) A solenoid bent into the form of a closed
times the resistance of the smaller part, so ring is called a toroidal solenoid. The field
I1 =3I2 pattern of solenoid is similar to that of a bar
magnet. The field lines inside a toroid are
Hence, ⃗ circular loops and the field is uniform
4. (a) Refer answer to Q. 8 on page 4.13. everywhere inside the toroid. See Fig. 4.48
on page 4.23 and Fig. 4.52 on page 4.24.
(b) Biot-Savart law can be expressed as
Ampere's circuital law by considering the (c) The field inside a solenoid can be
surface to be made up of a large number of increased by (i) inserting an iron core
loops. The sum of the tangential inside it (ii) increasing number of turns per
components of the magnetic field unit length, and (iii) increasing the current
multiplied by the length of all such through the solenoid.
elements, gives the result 9. Refer answer to Q. 19 on page 4.44.
⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ 10. Refer answer to Q. 17 on page 4.40.
5. (a) Refer answer to Q. 9 on page 4.22. 11. For cyclotron, refer answer to Q. 17 on
page 4.40. Cyclotron frequency,
(b) Refer to solution of Example 33 on
page 4.26.
(c) A straight conductor of finite length
cannot by itself form a complete steady As fc is independent of velocity v, so f is
current circuit. Additional conductors independent of the kinetic energy of the
are necessary to close the circuit. particle.
These will spoil the symmetry of the
According to Einstein's special theory of
problem. The difficulty disappears if the
relativity, the mass of a particle increases
conductor is infinitely long.
with its velocity. At high velocities the
6. (a) Refer answer to Q.9 on page 4.22 cyclotron frequency will decrease due to
and Q. 10 on page 4.23. increase in mass. This will throw the
particle out of resonance with the
(b) The magnetic field due to the
oscillatory field. Hence the particles are not
neighbouring turns add up along the
accelerated further.
axis of the solenoid and tend to cancel
out in the perpendicular direction. Thus 12. (a), (b) Refer answer to Q. 21 on page
the field at the exterior mid-point is 4.49.
weak and at the interior, it is uniform
(c) The field due to current I at point P is,
and strong.
7. (a) Refer answer to Q. 9. on page 4.22
and Q. 11 on page 4.24. This field acts normally into the plane of
paper. According to Fleming's left hand
rule, a force acts on the proton in a
direction away from wire AB.

Fig. 4.177
13. Refer answer to Q. 22 on page 4.53.
The solenoid consists of N loops, each of
area A and carrying a current /. Each loop 14. (a) Refer answer to Q. 21 on page
acts as a magnetic dipole of dipole moment 4.49.
m = IA. As the magnetic moments of all (b) (i) According to right hand thumb rule,
loops are aligned along the same direction, the direction of the magnetic moment of

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 MITTAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS

] 33. Assertion. The resistance of an

ideal voltmeter should be infinite.
Assertions and Reasons
Reason. The lower resistance of
Directions : In the following questions,
voltmeter gives a reading lower than the
a statement of assertion (A) is followed by
actual potential difference across the
a statement of reason (R). Mark the correct
terminals.
choice as :
[AIIMS 11]
(a) If both assertion and reason are true
and reason is the correct explanation of 34. Assertion. Magnetic field
assertion interacts with a moving charge and not with
a stationary charge.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true
but reason is not the correct Reason. A moving charge produces a
explanation of assertion magnetic field.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false [AIIMS 2014]
(d) If both assertion and reason are false. 35. Assertion. A wire bent into an
irregular shape with the points P and Q
29. Assertion. A charge, whether
fixed. If a current I is passed through the
stationary or in motion produces a
wire, then the area enclosed by the
magnetic field around it.
irregular portion of the wire increases.
Reason. Moving charges produce only
electric field in the surrounding space.

[AIIMS 2009]
30. Assertion. An electric field is preferred
in comparison to magnetic field for Reason. Opposite currents carrying
detecting the electron beam in a wires repel each other.
television picture tube.
[AIIMS 2015]
Reason. Electric field requires low
voltage. Answers and Explanations

[AIIMS 2010] 1. (d) Refer to the solution of Problem 3

on page 4.79.
31. Assertion. If a proton and an
α-particle enter a uniform magnetic field 2. (d) At the far away axial points of the
perpendicularly with the same speed, the circular coil,
time period of revolution of α-particle is
double that of profon. i.e.,
Reason. In a magnetic field, the period 3. (a) Magnetic field due to the circular
of revolution of a charged particle is directly loop at center O,
proportional to the mass of the particle and
is inversely proportional to charge of
particle.
[AIIM Magnetic field due to the straight wire at
S 2010] point O,
32. Assertion. If an electron and
proton enter a perpendicular magnetic field
with equal momentum, then radius of curve
As these two fields act in opposite
for electron is more than that of proton.
directions, so
Reason. Electron has less mass than
B=B1-B2= 0
proton.
[AIIMS 13] or

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