I dont understand homopolar motors

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    Homopolar Motors
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mechanics of homopolar motors, specifically addressing the movement of conductive liquids, such as mercury, in response to electromagnetic forces. Participants clarify that in homopolar motors, the liquid conductor moves due to the interaction between the electrostatic forces exerted by the cell and the magnetic fields generated by moving electrons. This interaction results in the liquid's motion, which is distinct from the behavior of electrons in solid conductors like copper wires.

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pkc111
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I understand the diagram above where the blue stuff might be mercury like in Faraday's mercury motor. I don't understand why the liquid moves but... it is a conductor so why doesn't the current (moving electrons) feel the force and leave the liquid stationary?
Similarly in this motor its the liquid that moves?

Many Thanks
 
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There are homopolar motors that exert a force on the electrons in the (solid) rotor, and the electrons then carry the atomic nuclei with them, for example in an electrostatic voltmeter.

However in this case I believe the cell exerts an electrostatic force on the electrons in the copper wires and in the liquid, and the moving electrons create a magnetic field. What we are seeing is the interaction between the permanent field magnet and the magnetic field created by the current.
 

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