Question

(a) What is magnetic field?

(b) Draw magnetic field lines around a bar magnet.

(c) Write down four characteristics of magnetic field lines.

(d) State the rule for finding the direction of magnetic field associated with a current carrying conductor.

Answer 1

(a) Magnetic field is a region around a magnetic material or a moving electric charge within which the force of magnetism acts.

(b) The diagram of magnetic field lines around a bar manget is shown.

(c) Characteristics of magnetic field lines are:

1. Magnetic lines of force start from the North Pole and end at the South Pole.

2. They are continuous through the body of magnet

3. Two magnetic lines of force cannot intersect each other.

4. The relative strength of the magnetic field is shown by the degree of closeness of the field lines.

(d) Right hand thumb rule determines the direction of magnetic field associated with a current carrying conductor. It states that imagine that you are holding a current-carrying straight conductor in your right hand such that the thumb points towards the direction of current. Then your fingers will wrap around the conductor in the direction of the field lines of the magnetic field.