Question

Describe an activity to show that a current carrying conductor, placed in an external magnetic field experiences a force.

Answer 1

1. Take a small aluminium rod AB (of about 5 cm). Using two connecting wires, suspend it horizontally from a stand, as shown in the figure.
2. Place a strong horseshoe magnet in such a way that the rod lies between the two poles with the magnetic field directed upwards. For this, put the north pole of the magnet vertically below and the south pole vertically above the aluminium rod.
3. Connect the aluminium rod in series with a battery, a key and a rheostat.
4. Now pass a current through the aluminium rod from end B to end A.
5. It is observed that the rod is displaced towards the left. You will notice that the rod gets displaced.
6. Reverse the direction of the current flowing through the rod. It is now towards the right.