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Magnetism and Moving Charges

Mia Gonzalez

Mia Gonzalez

9 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers magnetism and moving charges, focusing on the magnetic fields of moving charges, forces on moving charges in magnetic fields, and the Hall effect. Key concepts include calculating magnetic field strength and direction, the right-hand rule, the cross-product of velocity and field, the Lorentz force, and the relationship between Hall voltage, magnetic field strength, and current density.

AP Physics C: E&M - Magnetism and Moving Charges ⚡

Hey there! Let's dive into the exciting world of magnetism and moving charges. This is a super important topic, so let's make sure you're feeling confident. We'll break it down step-by-step, so you'll be ready to ace this on the exam.

Magnetic Fields of Moving Charges

Single Moving Charge Field 🧲

  • A single moving charge creates its own magnetic field. Think of it like a tiny magnet that only appears when the charge is in motion.

  • Direction: Use the right-hand rule to find the magnetic field direction. Point your thumb in the direction of the charge's velocity, and your curled fingers will show the direction of the magnetic field lines.

  • Strength: The magnetic field is strongest when the velocity and position vectors are perpendicular (90° angle) and weakens as the angle deviates from 90°.

    Magnetic Field of a Moving Charge

    Caption: Magnetic field lines around a moving positive charge. Notice how the field is circular and the direction is determined by the right-hand rule.

Key Concept

The magnetic field created by a moving charge is always perpendicular to both the velocity of the charge and the position vector from the charge to the point where the field is being measured.

Force on Moving Charges in Magnetic Fields

Cross-Product of Velocity and Field

  • A magnetic field exerts a force on a moving charge. This force is what makes motors and other cool tech work!
  • Force Calculation: The magnetic force is given by the equation: FB=q(v×B)\vec{F}_{B} = q(\vec{v} \times \vec{B})
    • FB\vec{F}_{B} is the magnetic force vector.
    • qq is the charge (positive or negative).
    • v\vec{v} is the velocity vector of the charge.
    • B\vec{B} is the magnetic field vector.
  • The cross product means the force is perpendicular to both the velocity and the magnetic field. Use the right-hand rule again to figure out the direction of the force.

Combined Electric and Magnetic Fields

  • When both electric and magnetic fields are present, a charged particle feels both forces.

  • Electric Force: FE=qE\vec{F}_{E} = q\vec{E} (force due to electric field).

  • Magnetic Force: FB=q(v×B)\vec{F}_{B} = q(\vec{v} \times \vec{B}) (force due to magnetic field).

  • Net Force: The total force is the vector sum of these two: Fnet=FE+FB=qE+q(v×B)\vec{F}_{net} = \vec{F}_{E} + \vec{F}_{B} = q\vec{E} + q(\vec{v} \times \vec{B}). This is known as the Lorentz force.

    Lorentz Force

    Caption: A visual representation of the Lorentz force on a positive charge in combined electric and magnetic fields.

Memory Aid

Right-Hand Rule for Magnetic Force:

  • Point your index finger in the direction of the velocity (v).
  • Point your middle finger in the direction of the magnetic field (B).
  • Your thumb will point in the direction of the magnetic force (F) on a positive charge. If the charge is negative, the force is in the opposite direction.

Hall Effect in Conductors

  • The Hall effect occurs when a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the current flow in a conductor. It's like a traffic jam for electrons!

  • Charge Separation: The magnetic force pushes charge carriers (electrons or holes) to one side of the conductor, creating a charge imbalance.

  • Hall Voltage: This charge separation creates a transverse electric field and a measurable voltage across the conductor, known as the Hall voltage (ΔVH\Delta V_{H}). 🔌

  • Equilibrium: The process continues until the electric force from the Hall voltage balances the magnetic force.

  • Hall Voltage Formula: The Hall voltage is proportional to the magnetic field strength (B) and the current density (J): ΔVHBJ\Delta V_{H} \propto BJ.

    Hall Effect

    Caption: Illustration of the Hall effect, showing how a magnetic field deflects moving charges in a conductor, leading to a voltage difference.

Exam Tip

Remember, the Hall effect is a direct result of the magnetic force acting on moving charges. This can be used to measure magnetic fields and determine the type of charge carrier (positive or negative).

Final Exam Focus

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's what you absolutely need to nail for the exam:

  • Right-Hand Rule: Master the right-hand rule for finding the direction of magnetic fields and forces. This is crucial for both multiple-choice and free-response questions. Practice with different orientations of velocity and magnetic fields.
  • Magnetic Force Equation: Know the magnetic force equation FB=q(v×B)\vec{F}_{B} = q(\vec{v} \times \vec{B}) inside and out. Be comfortable using it with different vector orientations.
  • Lorentz Force: Understand that the total force on a charge in combined electric and magnetic fields is the vector sum of the electric and magnetic forces. This is a common concept in FRQs.
  • Hall Effect: Be ready to explain the Hall effect and its implications. Understand how the Hall voltage is related to the magnetic field and current density.
Common Mistake

Don't mix up the directions of magnetic field and force. Use the right-hand rule carefully and remember the force is perpendicular to both velocity and magnetic field. Also, remember that the force on a negative charge is opposite to the force on a positive charge.

Time Management Tips

  • Quick Scan: Start with a quick scan of the questions to identify the easy ones. Tackle these first to build confidence and save time.
  • FRQ Strategy: For free-response questions, start by writing down the relevant formulas and known values. This will help you organize your thoughts and earn partial credit even if you don't get the final answer.
  • Units: Always include units in your answers. Missing units can cost you points. Check your units at the end of the problem.
  • Reasonable Answers: If your final answer seems way off, double-check your calculations. It's better to catch a mistake yourself than to lose points on the exam.

Practice Question

Practice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

  1. A proton moves with a velocity v=(2×106m/s)i^\vec{v} = (2 \times 10^6 m/s) \hat{i} in a magnetic field B=(0.5T)j^\vec{B} = (0.5 T) \hat{j}. What is the magnetic force on the proton? (A) 1.6×1013Nk^1.6 \times 10^{-13} N \hat{k} (B) 1.6×1013Nk^-1.6 \times 10^{-13} N \hat{k} (C) 3.2×1013Nk^3.2 \times 10^{-13} N \hat{k} (D) 3.2×1013Nk^-3.2 \times 10^{-13} N \hat{k}

  2. A wire carrying a current is placed in a magnetic field. If the current is doubled and the magnetic field is halved, what happens to the magnetic force on the wire? (A) The force doubles (B) The force halves (C) The force remains the same (D) The force is quadrupled

  3. In the Hall effect, which of the following is true about the Hall voltage? (A) It is proportional to the magnetic field and inversely proportional to the current. (B) It is inversely proportional to the magnetic field and proportional to the current. (C) It is proportional to both the magnetic field and the current. (D) It is inversely proportional to both the magnetic field and the current.

Free Response Question

A long, straight wire carries a current II in the +x direction. A particle with charge qq and mass mm is moving with velocity v\vec{v} in the +y direction at a distance rr from the wire. The magnetic field due to the wire is given by B=μ0I2πrB = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2 \pi r}, where μ0\mu_0 is the permeability of free space.

(a) Determine the direction of the magnetic force on the particle. (2 points) (b) Calculate the magnitude of the magnetic force on the particle. (3 points) (c) If the particle is initially at rest and released, describe the subsequent motion of the particle. (3 points) (d) If an electric field is applied in the -z direction, what is the magnitude of the electric field needed to cancel out the magnetic force? (3 points)

FRQ Scoring Breakdown:

(a) 2 points - 1 point for correctly identifying the direction using the right-hand rule (into the page or -z direction). - 1 point for correct reasoning.

(b) 3 points - 1 point for using the correct formula for the magnetic force: F=qvBF = qvB - 1 point for using the correct magnetic field expression: B=μ0I2πrB = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2 \pi r} - 1 point for the correct magnitude of the force: F=qvμ0I2πrF = \frac{q v \mu_0 I}{2 \pi r}

(c) 3 points - 1 point for stating that the particle will accelerate in the -z direction due to the magnetic force. - 1 point for stating that the particle will start to deflect from its original path. - 1 point for stating that the particle will move in a curved path due to the constant force perpendicular to its velocity.

(d) 3 points - 1 point for recognizing that the electric force must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the magnetic force. - 1 point for using the correct formula for the electric force: FE=qEF_E = qE - 1 point for the correct magnitude of the electric field: E=vμ0I2πrE = \frac{v \mu_0 I}{2 \pi r}

Exam Tip

For free-response questions, always show your work and clearly label each step. This will help you get partial credit even if you make a mistake in your calculations.

That's it! You've got this! Go ace that exam!