The Motor Effect (Edexcel GCSE Physics)

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The Force on a Wire

Higher Tier Only

  • The motor effect occurs:

When a wire with current flowing through it is placed in a magnetic field and experiences a force

  • This effect is a result of two interacting magnetic fields
    • One is produced around the wire due to the current flowing through it
    • The second is the magnetic field into which the wire is placed, for example, between two magnets

  • As a result of the interactions of the two magnetic fields, the wire will experience a force

The Motor Effect Magnetic Field, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

The magnetic field between opposite poles of magnets interact with the magnetic field produced around a current-carrying wire

The-motor-effect, IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

The motor effect is a result of two magnetic fields interacting to produce a force on the wire

Magnetic Forces

Higher Tier Only

  • Magnetic forces are due to interactions between magnetic fields
    • Stronger magnetic fields produce stronger forces and vice versa

  • For a current carrying conductor, the size of the force exerted by the magnetic fields can be increased by:
    • Increasing the amount of current flowing through the wire
      • This will increase the magnetic field around the wire

    • Using stronger magnets
      • This will increase the magnetic field between the poles of the magnet

    • Placing the wire at 90o to the direction of the magnetic field lines between the poles of the magnet
      • This will result in the maximum interaction between the two magnetic fields

  • Note: If the two magnetic fields are parallel there will be no interaction between the two magnetic fields and therefore no force produced

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

Expertise: Physics Project Lead

Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.