Interaction between current and magnetic field

The force is also dependent on the strength of the magnetic field and the current.In summary, according to Fleming's left hand rule, when a current running through a wire is perpendicular to the magnetic field it is in, a force is applied to the wire and it moves in a direction that is perpendicular to both the wire and the field. This is because the force is always perpendicular to the directions of the field and current, and is dependent on the strength of the magnetic field and the current.
  • #1
eddywalrus
25
0
According to Fleming's left hand rule, if the direction of a current that is running through a wire is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field that it is in, a force is acted on a wire that moves it in a direction that is both perpendicular to the wire and the field.

Why does the wire only move when the current is perpendicular to the magnetic field? Surely the magnetic fields interact somehow even if the current, crosses the magnetic field at, say, for example, 40 degrees?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It is easier to explain with fully perpendicular and parallel directions. At any angle other than those directions the current would have perpendicular and parallel components.
 
  • #3
The direction of the force is always perpendicular to the directions of both the magnetic field and the current, even if the field and current are not perpendicular to each other.

The magnitude of the force depends on the angle between the directions of the field and current, and is maximum when they are perpendicular.
 

1. What is the relationship between current and magnetic field?

The interaction between current and magnetic field is known as electromagnetism. When an electric current flows through a wire, it produces a magnetic field around the wire. The strength of the magnetic field is directly proportional to the amount of current flowing through the wire.

2. How does the direction of current affect the magnetic field?

The direction of the magnetic field depends on the direction of the current. If the current flows in a straight line, the magnetic field will form concentric circles around the wire. However, if the current changes direction, the magnetic field will also change direction.

3. Can the magnetic field affect the current?

Yes, a magnetic field can induce a current in a wire that is placed in the field. This is known as electromagnetic induction and is the basis for technologies such as generators and transformers.

4. How does the strength of the magnetic field affect the current?

The strength of the magnetic field can affect the current by influencing the flow of electrons. A stronger magnetic field can cause the electrons to move faster, resulting in a higher current. Conversely, a weaker magnetic field will have less of an effect on the current.

5. What are some real-life applications of the interaction between current and magnetic field?

The interaction between current and magnetic field is the basis for many technologies, such as electric motors, generators, and transformers. It is also used in medical devices, such as MRI machines, and in research tools like particle accelerators. Additionally, the Earth's magnetic field plays a crucial role in protecting us from harmful solar radiation.

Similar threads

I Question on Hall Effect and magnetic force
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
855
I Hall effect -- is it always applicable?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
947
I Railgun: Significant magnetic field where projectile is?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
727
B Magnetic field produced by an electric current
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
296
I The vector math of relative motion of wire-loop & bar magnet
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Resulting magnetic field due to the passage of an AC current
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
27
Views
1K
I Current through U-wire (rail gun): Violation of (naive) conservation of momentum?
    • Electromagnetism
2
Replies
61
Views
2K
I Magnetic field as result of length contraction
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
17
Views
1K
Confusion about the right hand rule (Lorentz Force)
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
1K
I Simple electromagnetic wave including delay
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
373

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top