ELECTROMAGNETISM Force on a current-carrying conductor.
MAGNETIC FORCE
If a current I is flowing at an angle O to a magnetic field of strength B, with length l of the wire
being in the field then the force exerted on the wire is given by,
F = B I l sin( O )
and is perpendicular to the plane defined by the field lines and the wire. If they do not define a plane i.e. they are colinear then
there is no force exerted on the wire. This can be used to define B, as the magnetic field strength that causes a force
of 1 N to act on 1 metre of wire carrying a currant of 1 amp running at 900 to the field.
Rob Coles 28 May 1996 11:15:33