In Activity 13.7, how do we think the displacement of rod AB will be affected if (i) current in rod AB is increased; (ii) a stronger horse-shoe magnet is used; and (iii) length of the rod AB is increased?

Solution:

A current-carrying conductor, when placed in a magnetic field, experiences force. The magnitude of this force will increase with the increase in the amount of current, the length of the conductor and the strength of the magnetic field. Hence, the strength of the magnetic force exerted on the rod AB and its displacement will increase if

1. The current in rod AB is increased
2. A stronger horseshoe magnet is used
3. When the length of the rod AB increases