Why is there force on a current carrying conductor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the forces experienced by a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field, focusing on the interaction between moving charges (electrons) and the conductor's structure. It explores concepts related to the behavior of electrons within the metal lattice and the implications of these interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that charges experience a force when moving in a magnetic field and questions how this force affects the conductor's structure.
  • Another participant clarifies that electrons are not freely flowing but are bound to the metal lattice, suggesting that they transfer momentum to the lattice as they drift.
  • A third participant introduces the concept of the Hall effect, explaining that as electrons move to one side of the conductor, a transverse potential difference is created, which can be measured.
  • A later reply reiterates the initial question and adds that as electrons are pushed to one side, a positive charge is left behind, creating an electrostatic field that allows the magnetic force to be transferred to the lattice.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express different views on the nature of electron movement and its effects on the conductor, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the behavior of electrons in the lattice and the nature of the forces involved are not fully explored, leaving certain aspects unresolved.

quawa99
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I know that charges experience a force when they are moving with respect to a magnetic field , but in case of conductor how is the force on the freely flowing electrons transferred to the structure of the conductor?
 
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The electrons aren't freely flowing. They're bound to the metal lattice. And as they drift, they interact sufficiently quickly with the lattice to transfer their momentum to it.
 
quawa99 said:
I know that charges experience a force when they are moving with respect to a magnetic field , but in case of conductor how is the force on the freely flowing electrons transferred to the structure of the conductor?
As the electrons get pushed to the side, a positive charge (from the lattice) is left behind. The electrostatic field created allows the magnetic force to be "transferred" to the lattice.

(jtbell beat me to it!)
 

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