Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Force on a current-carrying conductor

Force on a current-carrying conductor — practice question

Two long straight wires P and Q are arranged parallel to one another, as shown in Fig. 8.1. Each wire carries a current in the direction indicated. The magnetic field-line pattern in a plane perpendicular to wire P caused by the current in that wire is also shown.
(a(i))[1]

On the magnetic field lines in Fig. 8.1 around wire P, add arrows to indicate the field direction.

(a(ii))[1]

Determine the direction of the force on wire Q caused by the magnetic field from wire P.

(a(iii))[2]

The current in wire Q is smaller than the current in wire P. State and explain whether the magnitude of the force on wire P is less than, equal to, or greater than the magnitude of the force on wire Q.

(b(i))[2]

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) is used to gather diagnostic information about internal structures in the human body. Radio waves are generated and directed at the body. The radio waves act on the protons within the body. Explain why radio waves are used.

(b(ii))[2]

Explain why the radio waves are applied in pulses.

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