Maximum force when the conductor is perpendicular to the field (θ = 90°, sin $\theta = 1)$
Electromagnetism - OCR A-Level Physics
$$F = BIL\sin\theta$$
- Maximum force when the conductor is perpendicularAt right angles (90 degrees) to a given line, surface, or direction. to the field (θ = 90°, sin $\theta = 1)$.
- Zero force when the conductor is parallelIn the same direction or along the same line. to the field (θ = 0°, sin $\theta = 0)$.
- Use Fleming's left-hand ruleFirst finger = field (B), second finger = current (I), thumb = force (F). Used to find the direction of force on a current-carrying conductor. to find the direction: First finger = Field (B), seCond finger = CurrentThe rate of flow of chargeA property of matter that causes it to experience a force in an electromagnetic field. Measured in coulombs (C).. Measured in amperes (A). (I), $thuMb = Motion (F)$.
- This is the basis of the electric motorA device that converts electrical energy into rotational kinetic energy using the motor effect (F = BIl)..
Common Mistake
MEDIUM
Wrong: Using $F = BIL$ when the conductor is at an angle to the field.
Right: Use $F = BIL \sin \theta. F = BIL$ only applies when the conductor is perpendicular to the field (θ = 90°). Always check the angle.
Right: Use $F = BIL \sin \theta. F = BIL$ only applies when the conductor is perpendicular to the field (θ = 90°). Always check the angle.