Does a current carrying wire attached to a magnet generate a force?

In summary, the question is whether the resulting force on a current carrying wire in a magnetic field also affects the stator magnets as per Newton's third law. Additionally, the inquiry is if attaching the magnets directly to the outside of the rotor, with stationary current carrying wires, would still allow the motor to function or if opposing forces would cancel each other out.
  • #1
sven1019
2
0
I have a bit of a theoretical question. If one has a current carrying wire in a magnetic field such as in an electric motor rotor, does the resulting force on the wire also impart an opposing force on the stator magnets which are producing the magnetic field as Newton’s third law says? Also, if one were to instead attach the magnets directly to the outside of the rotor instead of to the stator so that the current carrying wires are stationary relative to the magnets, would the resulting system still function and rotate the rotor as a normal motor or would any opposing forces in this system cancel each other out resulting in no rotation?

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
does the resulting force on the wire also impart an opposing force on the stator magnets which are producing the magnetic field as Newton’s third law says?
Sure. The wire has its own magnetic field, too, giving a force on the source of the magnetic field.

Can you draw a sketch of your proposed setup?
 
  • #3
I apologize, I can't attach a drawing. Imagine a large amount of rectangular, current carrying loops wrapped around an axle much like a slinky wrapped around a rod with magnets fixed to the outside of the loops. The current carrying loops would all have current flowing in the same direction and all magnets having the same poles facing inward (lets say north facing inward). Would this still function as a motor, or would the force of the current carrying wire be canceled out by a force on the magnets in the opposite direction?
 

1. What is the relationship between a current carrying wire and a magnet?

The presence of a current carrying wire and a magnet creates a magnetic field that interacts with each other, resulting in a force being generated.

2. How does a current carrying wire attached to a magnet generate a force?

When a current flows through a wire, it creates a magnetic field around the wire. This magnetic field interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet, resulting in a force being exerted on the wire.

3. How is the direction of the force determined in a current carrying wire attached to a magnet?

The direction of the force is determined by the direction of the current and the direction of the magnetic field. The force will be perpendicular to both the current and the magnetic field.

4. Can the force generated by a current carrying wire attached to a magnet be increased?

Yes, the force can be increased by increasing the current or by using a stronger magnet. Additionally, the distance between the wire and the magnet can also affect the force.

5. What are some real-world applications of the force generated by a current carrying wire attached to a magnet?

This force is the principle behind electric motors, generators, and electromagnets. These technologies are used in various industries, such as transportation, manufacturing, and energy production.

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