Current balance / force acting on a current-carrying conductor with an amperemeter

Principle

The force acting on a current-carrying conductor loop in a uniform magnetic field (Lorentz force) is measured with a balance. Conductor loops of various sizes are suspended in turn from the balance, and the Lorentz force is determined as a function of the current and magnetic induction. The uniform magnetic field is generated by an electromagnet. The magnetic induction can be varied with the coil current.

Benefits

• The use of a mechanic balance is especially suitable for a vivid demonstration of the Lorentz force
• Four different wire loops included: Clearer and deeper understanding of all correlations leads to an enhanced learning success

Tasks

1. The direction of the force is to be determined as a function of the current and the direction of the magnetic field.
2. The force F is to be measured, as a function of the current IL in the conductor loop, with a constant magnetic induction B and for conductor loops of various sizes. The magnetic induction is to be calculated.
3. The force F is to be measured, as a function of the coil current IM, for a conductor loop. In the range being considered, the magnetic induction B is, with sufficient accuray, proportional to the coil current IM.

Learning objectives

• Uniform magnetic field
• Magnetic induction (formerly magnetic-flux densitiy)
• Lorentz force
• Moving charges
• Current