Electric Current: Positive/Negative Charge Movement in Conductor

AI Thread Summary
An electric conductor carrying current in a magnetic field exhibits charge separation, with positive charges at one end and negative charges at the other, depending on the direction of the current. When the current direction reverses, the charges switch places, indicating the movement of charge carriers. This phenomenon is explained by the Hall Effect, where moving charges in a magnetic field experience a force that causes a charge imbalance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of charge carriers in conductors, particularly whether they are positive or negative. The interaction of electric current and magnetic fields is crucial in determining the behavior of charges within conductors.
bb.minhtri
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"An electric conductor carrying electric current from left to right is placed in a downward magnetic field. It is observed that there are positive charge on the front of the conductor and negative charge a the back. If the electric current is reverse, flowing from right to left, then the positive charge will appear at the back and negative charge will appear at the front. Determine either negative or positive the free moving charge within the conductor is. "

What kind of phenomenon that cause charge to move at the back and front of the conductor? It does not seem like induction:(
Thank you guys so much for helping:)
 
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bb.minhtri said:
"An electric conductor carrying electric current from left to right is placed in a downward magnetic field. It is observed that there are positive charge on the front of the conductor and negative charge a the back. If the electric current is reverse, flowing from right to left, then the positive charge will appear at the back and negative charge will appear at the front. Determine either negative or positive the free moving charge within the conductor is. "

What kind of phenomenon that cause charge to move at the back and front of the conductor? It does not seem like induction:(
Thank you guys so much for helping:)

Look up the Hall Effect.
 
bb.minhtri said:
"An electric conductor carrying electric current from left to right is placed in a downward magnetic field. It is observed that there are positive charge on the front of the conductor and negative charge a the back. If the electric current is reverse, flowing from right to left, then the positive charge will appear at the back and negative charge will appear at the front. Determine either negative or positive the free moving charge within the conductor is. "

What kind of phenomenon that cause charge to move at the back and front of the conductor? It does not seem like induction:(
Thank you guys so much for helping:)
Hello bb.minhtri. Welcome to PF !

So, you need to determine the sign of the dominant charge carrier in the conductor?

The phenomenon about which you inquired is:
\vec{F}=q\vec{v}\times\vec{B}\,.​
 
Thanks, Sammy:D I thought about that formula earlier and there's definitely some force that push the conductor to the front(or to the back). But I still can not figure out its relation with this part It is observed that there are positive charge on the front of the conductor and negative charge a the back. If the electric current is reverse, flowing from right to left, then the positive charge will appear at the back and negative charge will appear at the front.
P/S: PF is so heplful^^ I look up here many times for problems and this is the first time I can not find :D
 
bb.minhtri said:
Thanks, Sammy:D I thought about that formula earlier and there's definitely some force that push the conductor to the front(or to the back). But I still can not figure out its relation with this part It is observed that there are positive charge on the front of the conductor and negative charge a the back. If the electric current is reverse, flowing from right to left, then the positive charge will appear at the back and negative charge will appear at the front.
P/S: PF is so helpful^^ I look up here many times for problems and this is the first time I can not find :D
Did you look up the Hall Effect, as gneill suggested?

P/S: I wish that more users of PF would look things up. They often post threads inquiring about problems that have been answered the previous day. We are glad to hear that you find PF helpful.
 
bb.minhtri said:
Thanks, Sammy:D I thought about that formula earlier and there's definitely some force that push the conductor to the front(or to the back). But I still can not figure out its relation with this part It is observed that there are positive charge on the front of the conductor and negative charge a the back. If the electric current is reverse, flowing from right to left, then the positive charge will appear at the back and negative charge will appear at the front.
P/S: PF is so heplful^^ I look up here many times for problems and this is the first time I can not find :D

A current consists of moving charges. Charges moving in a magnetic field experience a force that moves them off their straight-line path. If charge carriers are deflected away from one area and towards another area, a charge imbalance will exist between those two areas, i.e., a potential difference will exist. Look up the Hall Effect.
 
I get it, it's a negative-charge carrier. Sorry gneill, I can't believe I miss your post...
Thank you both so much for helping!
 
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