15.2 FORCE ON A CURRENT-CARRYING CONDUCTOR PLACED IN A MAGNETIC FIELD
We know that electric current produces a magnetic field similar to that of a permanent magnet. Since a magnetic field exerts force on a permanent magnet, it implies that current- carrying wire should also experience a force when placed in a magnetic field.
The force on a wire in a magnetic field can be demonstrated using the arrangement shown in Fig. 15.6. A battery produces current in a wire placed inside the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. Current- carrying wire produces its own magnetic field which interacts with the field of the magnet. As a result, a force is exerted on the wire. Depending on the direction of the current, the force on the wire either pushes or pulls it towards right (Fig. 15.6- a) or towards left (Fig.15.6- b).
Michael Faraday discovered that the force on the wire is at right angles to both the direction of the magnetic field and the direction of the current. The force is increased if