Magnetic Field of a Circular Current

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Questions and Answers

What is formed around each point of the wire in a circular loop carrying current?

Straight lines of flux
Radial lines of force
Circular arcs of resistance
Closed curves of magnetic flux (correct)

According to the Right Hand Grip Rule, how is the direction of the magnetic field determined?

By curling fingers in the current direction and extending the thumb (correct)
By aligning the palm with the current direction
By holding the hand flat against the wire
By pointing the thumb in the direction of current and curling the fingers

When viewed from the end where the conventional current flows clockwise, what do the magnetic field lines do?

Form a complete loop around the wire
Point towards the viewer
Disperse in all directions evenly
Point away from the viewer, indicating an S pole (correct)

In the context of the magnetic field created by a circular current, which rule correlates the direction of the current with the orientation of the magnetic field?

<p>Solenoid Rule (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does each loop behave in terms of magnetic properties?

<p>Like a magnet with distinct north and south poles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Magnetic field of a circular loop

The magnetic field lines of a circular current loop form closed curves around each point of the wire. The curves are not perfectly circular, but become more circular closer to the wire.

Right Hand Grip Rule for a current loop

A method to determine the direction of the magnetic field produced by a current-carrying loop. If you curl the fingers of your right hand in the direction of the conventional current, your thumb will point towards the north pole of the loop.

Letter Rule for magnetic field direction

A mnemonic for determining the direction of the magnetic field inside a current-carrying coil. If the current flows clockwise when viewed from one end, that end of the coil acts as a south pole, and the field lines inside the coil point inward. The opposite end acts as a north pole.

Solenoid Rule for magnetic field direction

A mnemonic for determining the direction of the magnetic field inside a solenoid (a coil with many turns). If the fingers of your right hand curl in the direction of the conventional current, then your thumb points in the direction of the magnetic field inside the solenoid.

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Magnetic Dipole Nature of a Current Loop

A single loop of current can be viewed as a magnetic dipole, with a north pole and a south pole. The direction of the north pole is determined by the direction of the current.

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Study Notes

Magnetic Field of a Circular Current

A circular loop carrying current produces a magnetic flux pattern of closed curves around the wire
The curves are nearly circular close to the wire.

Determining Magnetic Field Direction

Several methods exist for determining field direction in loops.
(i) Right Hand Grip Rule*
Applicable to a small element of a current loop. All other methods derive from this one.
(ii) Letter Rule*
Based on the 'S' and 'N' shapes in the diagram.
If the current flows clockwise when viewed from the end of the coil, the field lines inside the coil point away from the viewer (equivalent to an "S" pole).
(iii) Solenoid Rule*
Another right-hand rule.
If fingers curl in the direction of conventional current, the thumb points in the direction of the field inside the coil.
Each loop acts as a flat magnetic ring with a north and south pole face.
If the fingers of the right hand curl in the direction of the current, the thumb points toward the north pole face.