Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor
Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor
A current in a magnetic field feels a force — the motor principle that turns electrical energy into motion.
The force is F = B·I·L. where B is the flux density, I the current and L the conductor length in the field.
Inputs
B := 0.5 T=0.5 kg/A/s^2
I := 10 A=10 A
L := 0.2 m=200 mm
Multiply field, current and length.
F := B·I·L=1 N
Results
The force is greatest when the conductor is perpendicular to the field (assumed here). Reversing the current or field reverses the force — the basis of every electric motor.
Assumptions & limitations
- Conductor perpendicular to the field.
- Uniform field.
- Straight conductor.