Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Force on a moving charge

Force on a moving charge — practice question

Electrons are incident at right angles to face PQFE of a rectangular semiconductor slice PQRSEFGH, as shown in Fig. 8.1. A uniform magnetic field with flux density $B$ is directed into the slice, at right angles to face PQRS.
(a)[2]

Each electron has charge $-q$ and drift speed $v$ in the slice. State the magnitude and the direction of the force exerted by the magnetic field on each electron as it enters the slice.

(b(i))[1]

The force on the electrons creates a voltage $V_H$ across the semiconductor slice, with $V_H = \frac{BI}{ntq}$ where $I$ is the current in the slice. State the two faces between which the voltage $V_H$ is produced.

(b(ii))[1]

Use the letters in Fig. 8.1 to identify the distance $t$.

(c(i))[2]

Aluminium $\left(^{27}_{13}\text{Al}\right)$ has a density of $2.7\,\text{g cm}^{-3}$. Assume that each aluminium atom provides one free electron to carry charge. Show that the number of charge carriers per unit volume in aluminium is $6.0 \times 10^{28}\,\text{m}^{-3}$.

(c(ii))[2]

A piece of aluminium foil is $0.090\,\text{mm}$ thick. The current in the foil is $4.6\,\text{A}$. A uniform magnetic field with flux density $0.15\,\text{T}$ acts at right angles to the foil. Use the value in (i) to calculate the voltage $V_H$ produced.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: force magnitude $F = Bqv$

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