Question

A straight conductor is suspended horizontally with its axis perpendicular to the magnetic field of a strong horseshoe magnet. The conductor gets displaced towards the right when a steady current is passed through it. What will happen to the displacement of the conductor if:

1. Polarity of the horseshoe magnet is reversed?
2. Direction of current in the conductor is reversed?
3. Current through the conductor is increased?

Answer 1

Step 1: Scenario Description
A horizontal conductor, with its axis perpendicular to a strong horseshoe magnet's magnetic field, experiences a force when a steady current flows through it. This force causes the conductor to displace to the right.

Step 2: Effect of Reversed Magnet Polarity
Reversing the horseshoe magnet's polarity reverses the magnetic field direction. Consequently, Fleming's Left-Hand Rule dictates a reversal in the force's direction, leading to the conductor displacing to the left instead of the right.

Step 3: Effect of Reversed Current Direction
Reversing the current direction in the conductor also reverses the force acting upon it. This results in the conductor displacing to the left, contrary to its initial rightward movement.

Step 4: Effect of Increased Current Magnitude
Increasing the current flowing through the conductor amplifies the force acting on it, as force is directly proportional to current. The formula \( F = B I L \) illustrates this relationship, where \( F \) is force, \( B \) is magnetic field strength, \( I \) is current, and \( L \) is the conductor's length within the field. The conductor will move further to the right due to the augmented force.

Summary of Findings:
1. Reversing the magnet's polarity causes a leftward displacement of the conductor.
2. Reversing the current's direction also results in a leftward displacement.
3. Increasing the current magnitude leads to a greater displacement towards the right.