Experiment# 7

Magnetic Force on Wires

Introduction:
A stationary or moving electric charge will experience a force when placed in an electric field.
On the other hand, an electric charge has to be moving to experience a force due to a magnetic
field. A current in a wire is due to moving electrons. Therefore, a current-carrying wire will
experience a force when placed in a magnetic field. Measuring the force exerted by a magnetic
field on the wire with a known current flowing through it offers one method to determine the
strength of the magnetic field. Magnets are mounted on an iron yoke (see in Fig. 1) and placed
on a digital weighing balance (resolution of at least 0.01 or 0.001 g). One of the conducting
paths is suspended between the magnets. The balance is used to measure the mass of the
magnets and yoke prior to any current passing through the conducting path. Current is then
passed through the conducting path, producing a force. The change in reading on the balance
can be converted to find the magnetic force between the conductor and magnetic field.

Figure 1: Side view of the basic current balance

Conductors of different length are included to measure the effect of length on magnetic force.
Magnetic field can be varied by changing the number of magnets in the yoke. The power source
is used to change the current supplied to the conductor. The Current Balance Accessory
includes all the components needed to test the effect of angle on magnetic force.
Questions to be prepared before coming to the lab:
1. What is the magnetic force example?
2. What are the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force on the wire?
3. How do you calculate magnetic force?

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Theory:
A current carrying wire in a magnetic field experiences a force that is usually referred to as a
magnetic force. The magnitude and direction of this force depend on four variables: The
magnitude and direction of the current (I); the strength of the magnetic field (B); the length of
the wire (L); and the angle between the field and the wire ().
This magnetic force can be described mathematically by the vector cross product:
𝑭𝒎 = 𝑰𝑳 × 𝑩
Or in scalar form:
𝑭𝒎 = 𝑰𝑳𝑩𝑺𝒊𝒏(𝛉)
Using the equipment included in the Magnetic Forces on Wires Experiment, all four variables
(I, B, L, and ) can be varied while measuring the resulting magnetic force.
In this experiment, the angle between L and B will always be 90ᵒ, so
𝑭𝒎 = 𝑰𝑳𝑩
The direction of the force is given by the right-hand rule (see in Fig. 2). The forefinger, middle
finger, and thumb are held at right angles. Point the forefinger in the direction of the current
(L), the middle finger in the direction of the magnetic field (B), and the thumb gives the
direction of the force.

Figure 2: Right-hand rule

In this experiment a rectangular loop of wire will be partially inserted between the north and
south poles of a permanent magnet, as shown in Fig. 3. The X indicates that the magnetic field
is directed into the page. When a current flow through the current loop, a magnetic force is
created. Since the current loop is stationary the magnetic force acts on the permanent magnet
assembly causing its weight to either increase or decrease depending on the direction of the
current and the orientation of the magnetic field. The change in the magnet assembly's weight
is due to the magnetic force.

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 Figure 3: (a & b) Two views of a rectangular loop in a magnetic field and (c) force diagram
By Newton’s third law, the force of the magnetic field on the wire is equal in magnitude and
opposite in direction to the force of the wire on the magnet. This force on the magnet causes
the normal force of the balance on the magnet to change, as shown by the free body diagrams
below (see in Fig. 4).

Figure 4: Free body diagrams for the magnet a) when no current is applied and b) when current is
applied.
The magnitude of the normal force changes when a current is present due to the presence of
the magnetic force between the wire and the magnet (Note: Fig. 4 shows the normal force
increasing due to a downward force of the wire on the magnet; however, the normal force will
decrease if the magnetic force is exerted in the opposite direction. The magnitude of the
magnetic force, and the magnitude of the change in the normal force, is the same in both
situations). The normal force is the force of the balance on the magnet, which, by Newton’s
third law, is equal and opposite to the force of the magnet on the balance. Therefore, the normal
force gives a measure of the apparent weight of the magnet
𝑭𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍 = 𝒎𝒂 𝒈
where Fnormal is the normal force, ma is the apparent mass of the magnet, and g is the acceleration
due to gravity.

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From Figure (4b), it is clear that the magnetic force is equal to the difference between the
normal force and the weight of the magnet, or the difference between the actual and apparent
weights of the magnet. The magnitude of the magnetic force can therefore be found using the
difference between the apparent and actual masses of the magnet, or
𝑭𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒄 = (𝒎𝒂 − 𝒎) ∗ 𝒈 = ∆𝒎𝒈
where F is the magnetic force, m is the actual mass of the magnet, and Δm is the change in
apparent mass of the magnet and this change in the apparent mass of the magnet is a direct
measure of the force acting on the wire. Because we are only concerned with the magnitude of
the magnetic field, this equation is valid for a magnetic force pointing either up or down, and
the absolute value of Δm may be used.
Objectives:
1. To measure the magnetic force on a current carrying wire by varying the current and to
investigate the relationship between the magnetic force and current through the conductor.
2. To measure the magnetic force on different length of current carrying wires and investigate
the relationship between the magnetic force and length of conductor in the magnetic field.
3. To measure the magnetic force on a current carrying wire by varying the strength
of magnetic field and to investigate the relationship between the magnetic force and
strength of magnetic field.
4. To measure the magnetic force on a current carrying coil by varying the angle between
direction of current and magnetic field. Also investigate the relationship between
the magnetic force and angle between direction of current and magnetic field.
Experiment:
Equipment:
Basic Current Balance, Current Balance Accessory, Digital Weighing Balance (0.01 g), Low
Voltage AC/DC Power Supply, Large Base and Support Rod, Banana Plug Cord Set-Red (5
pack), Banana Plug Cord Set-Black (5 pack).
Setup:
The experimental set-up is shown in Fig. 5.

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 Figure 5: The experimental setup
1. Mount the Main Unit on a lab stand having with a rod 3/8 inch (1.1 cm) in diameter or
smaller.
2. Select a Current Loop, and plug it into the ends of the arms of the Main Unit, with the
foil extending down.
3. Place the Magnet Assembly on a balance with at least 0.01 gram sensitivity. Position
the ring stand so the horizontal portion of the conductive foil on the Current Loop passes
through the pole region of the magnets. The Current Loop shouldn't touch the magnets.
4. Connect the power supply and ammeter as shown above.

Experiment A: FORCE VS. CURRENT

1. Insert between 4 – 6 magnets (see in Fig. 6) into the magnet holder to provide a constant
magnetic field. Enter the number of magnets used above Table 1.

Figure 6: A magnetic holder containing various magnets.

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 2. Choose one of the current loops to use throughout the experiment and record the length
of the current loop above Table 1.
3. Locate the magnet for the current loop (see in Fig. 7) and center the magnet on the
balance pan.

Figure 7: A close-up of a wire loop inserted into the permanent magnetic assembly and current loop
with connection points.
4. Lower the balance arm and plug the current loop to the ends of the main unit, with the
current loop extending down. Make sure the plane of the loop is hanging down
vertically (see in Fig. 7). Place the magnet assembly on a balance scale. Position the
magnet so that the 3-4 segment of the current loop passes through the pole region of the
magnet assembly. The current loop should not touch the magnets.
5. Determine the mass of the magnet holder with magnets while no current flowing.
Record this value above the Table 1. On the digital balance, there is a “Zero” button.
Push this button once to “tare” the balance (zero it).
6. Turn on the power supply and set the current to 0.5 A. Determine the change in apparent
mass (Δm) of the magnet assembly. Record this value under “Δm” in Table 1 below.
When the current is on, the magnet should be repelled (deflected downward; positive
mass reading). If it is attracted (pulled upwards; negative mass reading), reverse the
wires connected to the power supply, turn on the balance, and start again from Step 1.
7. Increase the current in 0.5 A increments to a maximum of 5.0 A, each time measuring
the change in apparent mass (Δm) of the magnet assembly and record the values of Δm
in Table 1 below.
8. When data collection is complete, turn off the power supply and unplug the power
supply.
Caution: The current flowing through the current loop should never exceed 5A.
9. Then, calculate Fm for each current value using the equation: Fm = (Δm).g

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 10. Finally, plot a graph of Force (vertical axis) versus Current (horizontal axis).
Analysis:
Number of Magnets Used:
Current Loop Used: ___
Mass of the magnet holder with magnets while no current:
TABLE: 1
Current “Δm” “Δm” Fm
(A) (g) (kg) (N)

0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
5.5

Find the slope of the graph (Fm vs. I) and determine the B by using the following relation;
Fm = (Slope) I (i)
But
Fm = ILB (ii)
Compare the Eq. (i) & Eq. (ii) and we get
B (Tesla) = Slope/L
Questions:
1. What relationship exists between the magnetic force and current through the conductor?
2. What does this tell us about how changes in the current will affect the force acting on a
wire that is inside a magnetic field?
Experiment B- FORCE VS. LENGTH OF WIRE
1. Insert between 4 – 6 magnets (see in Fig. 6) into the magnet holder to provide a constant
magnetic field. Be sure to center the magnets in the holder.
2. Enter the number of magnets used above Table 2.
3. Locate the magnet for the current loop (see in Fig. 7) and center the magnet on the

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 balance pan.
4. For this part of the experiment, you will need to know the effective length of the current
loops, which is listed in Table 2 and choose the shortest current loop (i.e., SF 40) to
begin the experiment.
5. Insert the shortest current loop (i.e., SF 40) into the balance arm. Make sure the plane
of the loop is hanging down vertically (see in Fig. 7). Place the magnet assembly on a
balance scale. Position the magnet so that the 3-4 segment of the current loop passes
through the pole region of the magnet assembly. The current loop should not touch the
magnets.
6. Determine the mass of the magnet holder with magnets while no current flowing.
Record this value above the Table 2. On the digital balance, there is a “Zero” button.
Push this button once to “tare” the balance (zero it).
7. Turn on the power supply and set the current to 2.5 A. Determine the change in apparent
mass (Δm) of the magnet assembly. Record this value of “Δm” in Table 2.
8. Reduce the current to zero. Swing the main arm of the main unit up to raise the current
loop out of the magnetic field gap. Pull the current loop gently from the arms of the
base unit.
Caution: Each current loop MUST be handled with care especially when changing from one
loop to another.
9. Pull the current loop gently from the arms of the base unit. Replace it with the next
current loop and carefully lower the arm to reposition the current loop in the magnetic
field.
10. Replace the current loop with a new current loop (SF 37) having a different length of
the 3-4 segment.
11. Carefully lower the arm to reposition the current loop in the magnetic field.
12. Determine the mass of the magnet holder with magnets while no current flowing.
Record this value above the Table 2. On the digital balance, there is a “Zero” button.
Push this button once to “tare” the balance (zero it).
13. Increase the current back to 2.5 A and record the value of change in apparent mass (Δm)
of the magnet assembly in Table 2.
14. Repeat the steps 8-14 for all the current loops (SF 39, SF 38, SF 41 & SF 42) and enter
the appropriate data in Table 2.
15. Then, calculate Fm for each effective length of current loop using the equation: Fm =
(Δm).g

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 16. Finally, plot a graph of Force (vertical axis) versus Length of current loop (horizontal
axis).
Analysis:
No. of Magnets Used:
Current Used:
Mass of the magnet holder with magnets while no current:
TABLE 2
Length of current loop “Δm” “Δm” Fm
(m) (m) (kg) (N)
0.012 (SF 40)
0.022 (SF 37)
0.032 (SF 39)
0.042 (SF 38)
0.064 (SF 41)
0.082 (SF 42)

Find the slope of the graph (Fm vs. L) and determine the B by using the following relation;
Fm = (Slope) L (i)
But
Fm = ILB (ii)
Compare the Eq. (i) & Eq. (ii) and we get
B (Tesla) = Slope/I
Questions:
1. What relationship exists between the magnetic force and length of conductor in the
magnetic field?
2. What is the nature of the relationship between these two variables? What does this tell
us about how changes in the length of a current-carrying wire will affect the force that
it feels when it is in a magnetic field?
Experiment C -FORCE VS. MAGNETIC FIELD
1. Insert one magnet into the magnet holder and center the magnet in the holder (see in
Fig. 6).
2. Locate the magnet for the current loop (see in Fig. 7) and center the magnet on the
balance pan.

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 3. Choose one of the current loops to use throughout the experiment and record the length
of the current loop above Table 3.
4. Insert the current loop into the balance arm. Make sure the plane of the loop is hanging
down vertically (see in Fig. 7). Place the magnet assembly on a balance scale. Position
the magnet so that the 3-4 segment of the current loop passes through the pole region
of the magnet assembly. The current loop should not touch the magnets.
5. Determine the mass of the magnet holder with a magnet while no current flowing.
Record this value in the 2nd column of Table 3. On the digital balance, there is a “Zero”
button. Push this button once to “tare” the balance (zero it).
6. Turn on the power supply and set the current to 2.5 A. Determine the change in apparent
mass (Δm) of the magnet assembly. Record this value of “Δm” in Table 3.
7. Turn off the power supply to change the current to zero. Swing the main arm of the
main unit up to add additional magnets, one at a time.
Caution: To ensure that power supply should be OFF while raising the current loop out of the
magnetic field gap in-order to add the additional magnets in magnet holder.
8. Place an additional magnet into the magnet holder aligning the like poles of the
magnets.
9. Place the holder in the back on the balance pan with the North and South poles in the
same orientation as the last measurement.
10. Lower the arm of the main unit and reposition the current loop inside the magnetic field
gap. Be certain the current loop isn’t touching the magnet holder.
11. Determine the new mass of the magnet holder with a magnet while no current flowing.
Record this value in the 2nd column of Table 3. On the digital balance, there is a “Zero”
button. Push this button once to “tare” the balance (zero it).
12. Turn the power supply ON and set the current to 2.5 A. Determine the change in
apparent mass (Δm) of the magnet assembly. Record this value of “Δm” in Table 3.
13. Repeat the steps 7-12 for 3, 4, 5 and 6 magnets.
14. Then, calculate Fm for each magnetic value using the equation: Fm = (Δm).g
15. Finally, plot a graph of Force (vertical axis) versus Number of Magnets (horizontal
axis).
Analysis:
Current Loop Used: ___
Current Used:

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 TABLE 3
Magnetic Field Mass of the magnet Δm Δm Fm
(# of magnets) holder with magnets (g) (kg) (N)

with no current
(g)
1
2
3
4
5
6

Questions:
1. What relationship exists between the Magnetic Force and Number of Magnets or
Magnetic Field?
2. How does the number of magnets affect the force between a current-carrying wire and
a magnetic field?
3. Is it reasonable to assume that the strength of the magnetic field is directly proportional
to the number of magnets?
4. What would happen if one of the magnets were put into the assembly backwards, with
its north pole next to the other magnets’ south poles? If there is time, try it.
Experiment D -FORCE VS. ANGLE

Figure 8: Current Balance Accessory (CBA) Arrangement for varying θ.

1. Place the smaller magnet holder from the Current Balance Accessory (CBA) on the pan

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 of the weighing balance (see in Fig. 8).
2. Center the variable-angle magnet (see in Fig. 9), on the balance pan.

Figure 9: Close-up of Current Balance Accessory (CBA): Wire Loops Inside Magnet; Assume L = 11.5
cm for CBA.

3. Attach the Current Balance Accessory (CBA) to the arm of the current balance and
adjust the height of CBA to lower the coil into the magnetic field of the magnet holder.
The coil should not be touching the magnet holder (see in Fig. 9).
4. Initially, the horizontal section of the wire loops of the CBA must be parallel to the
magnetic field of the permanent magnet. If they are parallel and current is flowing, Fm
= 0.0 N, and the mass measurement will not change. If the mass changes when the
current is turned on, adjust the alignment by carefully rotating the balance.
5. Set the angle (θ) of CBA to 0º such that the coils are facing the shorter dimension of
the magnet holder (see in Fig. 10). When you have the correct arrangement, turn the
CBA from 0º through 180º, checking to see that it will not hit the magnet at any point.

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 Figure 10: Top view of Current Balance Accessory (CBA)
6. Return the CBA to 0º.
7. Determine the mass of the magnet holder while no current flowing. Record this value
above the Table 4. On the digital balance, there is a “Zero” button. Push this button
once to “tare” the balance (zero it).
8. Turn on the power supply and set the current to 2.5 A.
9. Determine the change in apparent mass (Δm) of the magnet assembly. Record this value
of “Δm” in Table 4.
10. Change the angle (clockwise) by 10º increments up to 90º, each time repeating step 9.
Record the values of Δm in Table 4.
11. Repeat the steps 9 – 10 for angles (anticlockwise) between 0º and -90º and record the
values of Δm in Table 4.
12. Turn off the power supply.
13. Then, calculate Fm for each angle value using the equation: Fm = (Δm).g
14. Finally, plot a graph of Force (vertical axis) versus Angle (horizontal axis).
Analysis:
Current Used:
Mass of the magnet holder with no current:
TABLE 4
Angle Δm Δm Force
(θ) (g) (kg) (N)
0º
10º
20º
30º
40º
50º
60º
70º
80º
90º
-10º
-20º
-30º

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 -40º
-50º
-60º
-70º
-80º
-90º

Questions:
1. Describe the relationship between Magnetic Force and Angle.
2. How do changes in the angle between the current and the magnetic field affect the force
acting between them?
3. What angle produces the greatest force?
4. What angle produces the least force?

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 National University of Technology
(NUTECH)
Initial Lab Report
Course: Applied Physics Lab (PHY1302)
Batch: Fall 2023
Department: Computer Engineering

Initial Lab Report

Experiment No. 7 Date:

Experiment Title:

Name: _______________________________

NUTECH ID: _________________________

Instructor: ____________________________

Signature (Instructor):

1. Experiment Objectives:

2. Basic Equations of Experiment Theory:

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3. Observations and Calculations:
A. Measurements of Magnetic Force by Varying the Current of a Current Loop:
Number of Magnets Used:
Current Loop Used: ___
Mass of the magnet holder with magnets while no current: g
Calculate Fm for each current value using the equation: Fm = (Δm).g
TABLE: 1
Current “Δm” “Δm” Fm
(A) (g) (kg) (N)

0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
5.5

Note: plot a graph of Force (vertical axis) versus Current (horizontal axis).
Find the slope of the graph (Fm vs. I) and determine the B by using the following relation;
Fm = (slope) I (i)
But
Fm = ILB (ii)
Compare the Eq. (i) & Eq. (ii) and we get
B (Tesla) = Slope/L Here L = m and Slope = N/A
B= Tesla

B. Measurements of Magnetic Force by Varying the Length of a Current Loop:

No. of Magnets Used:
Current Used: 2.5 A
Mass of the magnet holder with magnets while no current: g

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Calculate Fm for each effective length of current loop using the equation: Fm = (Δm).g
TABLE 2
Length of current loop “Δm” “Δm” Fm
(m) (m) (kg)
0.012 (SF 40)
0.022 (SF 37)
0.032 (SF 39)
0.042 (SF 38)
0.064 (SF 41)
0.082 (SF 42)

Note: Plot a graph of Force (vertical axis) versus Length of current loop (horizontal axis).
Find the slope of the graph (Fm vs. L) and determine the B by using the following relation;
Fm = (slope) L (i)
But
Fm = ILB (ii)
Compare the Eq. (i) & Eq. (ii) and we get
B (Tesla) = slope/I Here I = 2.5 A and Slope = N/A
B= Tesla

C. Measurements of Magnetic Force by Varying the Strength of the External

Magnetic Field:
Current Loop Used: ___
Current Used: 2.5 A
Calculate Fm for each value of external magnetic field using the equation: Fm = (Δm).g
TABLE 3
Magnetic Field Mass of the magnet Δm Δm Fm
(# of magnets) holder with magnets (g) (kg) (N)

with no current
(g)
1
2
3
4
5
6

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Note: Plot a graph of Force (vertical axis) versus Number of Magnets (horizontal axis)

D. Measurements of Magnetic Force by Varying the Angle between direction of

Magnetic Field and Effective Length of Current Carrying Wire:
Current Used: 2.5 A
Current Loop Used:
Mass of the magnet holder with no current: g
Calculate Fm for each angle value using the equation: Fm = (Δm).g
TABLE 4
Angle Δm Δm Force
(θ) (g) (kg) (N)
0º
10º
20º
30º
40º
50º
60º
70º
80º
90º
-10º
-20º
-30º
-40º
-50º
-60º
-70º
-80º
-90º

Note: plot a graph of Force (vertical axis) versus Angle (horizontal axis).

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4. Results and Analysis:

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 Final Lab Report Template
Title Page
The title page of your Lab report should include the following information:
a) NUTECH Logo
b) No. and Name of the Experiment
c) Submitted To: Name of the Instructor
d) Submitted By: Individual Member Name with respective registration No.s
e) Date of Experiment Performed

1. Objective:
Objective of the practical will be explained in this section. For example, this practical is used to
determine different types of strength.
2. Apparatus:
Write the name of the apparatus used in the experiment.
3. Theoretical Explanation:
Explain the theory behind the practical or experiment. It can include ideal diagrams used in theory and
graphs etc.
4. Explanation of Procedure:
Pre explanation of the practical
5. Observations and Calculations:
The Calculation and observation during the experiment which includes reading and noting down the
measurements, draw concerned tables shown in the demonstration and class lecture.
6. Results and Analysis:
In this portion, you will describe what is achieved during experiment. Analyze and discuss the
practical. Use graphical representation if any. All calculation using formulas and demonstration of
graphical portion of the practical should be explained in this section.
7. Precautions:
Note the necessary precautions of respective practical.
8. Comments:
a) Comments about the result.
b) Whether we have achieved the desire result or not. Deduction of the practical.
c) Conclusion of the practical.

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