Exploring B-Fields and Electrons: Terminal Velocity?

[The_Teacher]

This term we have been studying B-Fields (Magnetic Fields), Electromagnetic Induction and A.C. Theory (High School Physics). We've been given the Exam outline and upon checking what will be in Complex Reasoning (Part C of the Exam), it labelled "Terminal Velocity on conductors falling through magnetic fields" as the first question. I asked specifically about what I'd need to know for handling this question and my teacher stated " a current carrying wire passing through a B-Field" which at once got me confused with the relativity to the exam outline. They are both connected somehow, but i just don't know. Sorry if this sounds stupid, but, does the velocity of electrons get altered as they pass through a magnetic field? If anyone has any ideas please reply! Thanks!

 

[Kurdt]

There is a force exerted on a current carrying wire in a magnetic field. There is a concise description of it in the following link that should suffice for a high school exam.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/forwir.html

EDIT: Make note of the right hand rule.

 

[oroboro]

I think he's talking about the falling magnet experiment, except in reverse.
Say you drop a conductor a magnetic field. Then relative to conductor, the magnetic field is moving, which induces a current in the conductor, and then you've got a current that induces a magnetic force that opposes the force of gravity on the conductor, thus slowing the conductor down.

Oh and if you can, get a magnet and drop it through a metal tube. What happens is pretty cool

 

[Mentz114]

Magnetically induced eddy currents is what Oroboro refers to. Have a look here -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddy_current

 

[esalihm]

try to find something about the open right hand rule
it'll tell u everything