the motor effect

• What is the motor effect?


  The motor effect is the phenomenon where a wire carrying an electric current experiences a force when placed in a magnetic field.
• How does a wire carrying current interact with a magnetic field?


  The magnetic field around the wire interacts with another magnetic field, causing the wire to experience a force.
• If a wire is placed in a magnetic field and carries a current, what direction will the force act if the current flows upwards?


  The force will act in the upward direction.
• What is the equation to calculate the size of the force generated by the motor effect?


  The force in Newtons equals the magnetic flux density in Tesla multiplied by the current in amperes multiplied by the length of the wire in meters.
• What does the magnetic flux density measure?


  The magnetic flux density measures the strength of the magnetic field.
• If a wire has a length of 2.5 meters, carries a current of 1.5 amperes, and is in a magnetic flux density of 0.05 Tesla, what is the force acting on the wire?


  The force acting on the wire is $0.19 \text{ N}$.
• What factors affect the size of the force in the motor effect?

  • Magnetic flux density
  • Current
  • Length of the conductor
• How do you determine the direction of the force in the motor effect?


  You use Fleming's left hand rule to determine the direction of the force.
• How do you apply Fleming's left hand rule?


  1. Place your thumb, first finger, and second finger at right angles.
  2. Point your first finger in the direction of the magnetic field (north to south).
  3. Point your second finger in the direction of the conventional current (positive to negative).
  4. The direction your thumb points indicates the direction of motion (force).
• What happens if the conductor is parallel to the magnetic field?


  If the conductor is parallel to the magnetic field, it will not experience a force.
• What is the significance of the wire being at right angles to the magnetic field?


  A wire at right angles to the magnetic field experiences the maximum force.