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10. Magnetic Fields Due To Electric Current

The phenomenon in which an electric current flowing through conductor produces magnetic field
around it, is called magnetic effect of electric current.
Right Hand Thumb Rule:
If the current carrying conductor is held in a right hand such that, thumb of the right hand points
along direction of current, then the remaining curled fingers gives the direction of the magnetic field due to
the current.

Magnetic Force:
When a charged particle moves through a region in which both electric and magnetic fields are
present, then the net force experienced by that charged particle is sum of electrostatic force and magnetic
force. This force is known as Lorentz force.

Consider a charge q moving through electric field (𝐸⃗ ) and magnetic field (𝐵⃗) with velocity (v⃗).

The magnetic force (𝐹 ⃗) acting on charge is, 𝐹 ⃗ = 𝑞(𝑣⃗ × 𝐵⃗) ……… [1]

The electric force (𝐹⃗) acting on charge is, 𝐹⃗ = 𝑞𝐸⃗ ………. [2]
Hence, total force acting on the charge is

𝐹⃗ = 𝐹 ⃗ + 𝐹⃗ = 𝑞 𝑣⃗ × 𝐵⃗ + 𝑞𝐸⃗ = 𝑞 𝑣⃗ × 𝐵⃗ + 𝐸⃗ ………. [3]

Specified Cases:

1. If the velocity (𝑣⃗) of a charged particle is parallel to magnetic field (𝐵⃗) then,
𝐹 ⃗ = 𝑞(𝑣⃗ × 𝐵⃗ )
𝐹 = 𝑞𝑣𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 0

2. If the charged is stationary, i.e. 𝑣⃗ = 0, the force 𝐹 ⃗ = 0

It is observed that the force on the charge due to electric field depends on the strength of the
electric field and the magnitude of the charge. However, the magnetic force depends on the velocity of
the charge, the magnetic field and the magnitude of charge.

3. If 𝑣⃗ and 𝐵⃗ makes certain angle with each other then, 𝑣⃗ × 𝐵⃗ will be a vector perpendicular to the
plane containing the vectors 𝑣⃗ and 𝐵⃗.

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4.
Magnetic force (𝐹 ⃗) acting on charge particle is given by 𝐹 ⃗ = 𝑞(𝑣⃗ × 𝐵⃗).
The vectors 𝑣⃗ and 𝐹 ⃗ are always perpendicular to each other. Thus magnetic
force is in turn perpendicular to displacement of charged particles. Therefore
𝐹 ⃗ . 𝑣⃗ = 0 for any magnetic field. Hence magnetic force never does any work
on moving charges.

The magnetic force may change the direction of motion of a charged particle but they can
never affect the speed.
The magnetic force in vector form can be written as, 𝐹⃗ = 𝑞 𝑣⃗ × 𝐵⃗ 𝑛 = 𝑞𝑣𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑛 , where θ
is the angle between the vectors 𝑣⃗ and 𝐵⃗. 𝑛 is the unit vector in the direction of force.

 SI unit of magnetic field:

Tesla (T) is the SI unit of magnetic field.

If the force F is 1 N acting on charge of 1 C moving with speed of 1 m/s perpendicular to 𝐵⃗,
then magnetic field is said to 1 tesla.

1 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑙𝑎 = 1 =1 ………… ∵ 𝐵 =

 Dimensions:
𝑭 𝑳 𝟏 𝑴𝟏 𝑻 𝟐
𝑩= = = [𝑳𝟎 𝑴𝟏 𝑻 𝟐 𝑨 𝟏 ]
𝒒𝒗 𝑨 𝟏 𝑻𝟏 𝑳𝟏 𝑻 𝟏

[1 T = 104 gauss. Gauss is not an SI unit, but it is used as convenient unit.]

Note:
A standard notation to represent direction of field is,
a) ⊙ Field coming out of the plane
b) ⊗ Field penetrating into the plane

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Cyclotron Motion:

A particle with charge q moving with a speed v, and a uniform magnetic field B is directed into the
plane of the paper as shown in the above figure. In a magnetic field, a charged particle typically undergoes
circular motion. The magnetic force on the particle will act towards the centre of a circle of radius R, and
this force will provide the necessary centripetal force to sustain a uniform circular motion.
Thus,

Magnetic force (𝐹 ⃗) = Centripetal force …………. [1]

𝐹 ⃗ = 𝑞(𝑣⃗ × 𝐵⃗ )
𝐹 = 𝑞𝑣𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑞𝑣𝐵 ……… [2]
From eq. [1]

𝑞𝑣𝐵 =

𝑚𝑣 = 𝑞𝐵𝑅 …………… [3]

As we know that 𝑝 = 𝑚𝑣
𝑝 = 𝑚𝑣 = 𝑞𝐵𝑅 ………………. [4]
The above equation represents cyclotron formula. It describes the circular motion of a charged particle in a
particle accelerator, the cyclotron.

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Cyclotron:
The Cyclotron is a charged particle accelerator, accelerating charged particles to high energies.
Principle:
When a positively charged particle (ion) moves perpendicular to magnetic field repeatedly, magnetic
field puts the particle into circular path and a high frequency electric field applied perpendicular to magnetic
field accelerates it to high speed and gains sufficient large amount of energy.
Frequency of revolution of a charged particle is independent of its energy, in a magnetic field.
Construction:

1. In a cyclotron both electric and magnetic fields are used in combination. These are applied
perpendicular to each other in direction and hence they are called cross fields.
2. Cyclotron consists of two semi-circular disc-like metal chambers, D 1 and D2, called the Dees (Ds).
3. A uniform magnetic field B is applied perpendicular to plane of the Ds.
4. The magnetic field is produced using an electromagnet producing a field up to 1.5 T perpendicular
to plane of Dees.
5. An alternating voltage up to 10000 V at high frequency, 10 MHz, is applied between the two Ds.
6. Positive ions are produced by a gas ionizing source kept at the point O in between the two Ds.
7. The electric field provides acceleration to the charged particle (ion).

Working:

The positive ions are produced by a gas ionizing source kept at the point O in between the two Ds.
Once the ion in emitted, it accelerates due to the negative voltage of a D and performs a semicircular motion
within the D. Whenever the ion moves from one D to the other D, it accelerates due to the potential difference
between the two Ds and again performs semi-circular motion in the other D. Thus the ion is acted upon by
the electric field every time it moves from one D to the other D. As the electric field is alternating, its sign
is changed in accordance with the circular motion of the ion. Hence the ion is always accelerated, its energy
increases and the radius of its circular path also increases, making the entire path a spiral.
Consider an ion source placed at P. An ion moves in a semi-circular path in one of the Ds and reaches
the gap between the two Ds in a time interval . T is the period of a full revolution.

Let an ion particle with charge q moving with a speed v, and a uniform magnetic field B is directed
into the plane of the Ds. The magnetic force acting on the particle will provide the necessary centripetal force
to sustain a uniform circular motion.

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𝑚𝑣
𝑞𝑣𝐵 =
𝑅
𝑚𝑣 = 𝑞𝐵𝑅 ………… [1]

𝑇= =

𝑇= ………… [2]

The frequency of revolution is 𝑓 = = …………….. [3]

The frequency of the applied voltage (fa) between the two Ds is adjusted so that polarity of the two
Ds is reversed as the ion arrives at the gap after completing one semi-circle. This condition f a = fc is the
resonance condition.
The ions do not experience any electric field while they travel within the D. Their kinetic energy
increases every time they cross over from one D to the other, where V is the voltage difference across the
gap.
The ions move in circular path with successively larger and larger radius to a maximum radius at
which they are deflected by a magnetic field so that they can be extracted through an exit slit.
From eq. [1] we can write, 𝑣 = where Rmax is the radius of the path at exit.
The K.E. of ion particle will be,
𝐾. 𝐸. = 𝑚𝑣 = ………….. [4]

Thus the final energy is proportional to the square of the radius of the outermost circular path (R max).

Helical Motion:

1) When a charged particle does not move in plane perpendicular to magnetic field (𝐵⃗), it undergoes
helical motion.
2) A particle has some component of velocity parallel to direction of magnetic field that leads to helical
motion.
3) A component (𝑣∥⃗) of velocity is parallel to 𝐵⃗, the magnitude of force acting on particle will be:
𝐹 ⃗ = 𝑞 𝑣∥⃗ × 𝐵⃗ = 𝑞𝑣∥ 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 0
4) Thus, component (𝑣∥⃗) of velocity will not be affected and the particle will move along the direction
of magnetic field.
5) At the same time the perpendicular component of the velocity (𝑣 ⃗) to 𝐵⃗, leads to circular motion
and exerts the force on particle
𝐹 ⃗ = 𝑞 𝑣 ⃗ × 𝐵⃗ = 𝑞𝑣 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑞𝑣 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛90 = 𝑞𝑣 𝐵
6) This force acts as a necessary centripetal force.
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7) As a result, the particle moves parallel to the field 𝐵⃗ while moving along a circular path perpendicular
to 𝐵⃗. Thus the path becomes a helix.
Magnetic Force on a Wire Carrying Current:

1) Consider a straight wire of length L. An external magnetic field B is applied perpendicular to

the wire, coming out of the plane of the paper.
2) Let a current I flow through the wire under an applied potential difference.
3) If vd is the drift velocity of conduction electrons in the part of length L of the wire. The charge
q flowing across the plane PP’ in time t will be
𝑞 = 𝐼𝑡 = ………. [1]
4) The magnetic force (𝐹 ⃗) acting on this charge, due to applied magnetic field (𝐵⃗) is
𝐹 ⃗ = 𝑞 𝑣 ⃗ × 𝐵⃗ = 𝑞𝑣 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑛

𝐹⃗ = 𝑣 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑛 = 𝐼𝐿𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑛 ……. [2]

Where, 𝑛 is the unit vector perpendicular to both 𝑣⃗ and 𝐵⃗, in the direction of force 𝐹 ⃗.
5) For θ = 900 hence,
𝐹 ⃗ = 𝐼𝐿𝐵𝑛 …………… [3]
6) If 𝐵⃗ is not perpendicular to the wire, then magnetic force is,

𝐹 ⃗ = 𝐼 𝐿⃗ × 𝐵⃗ ……………… [4]

Magnetic Force on an Arbitrarily Shaped Wire Carrying Current:

Consider a wire of arbitrary shape carrying current I. Consider a segment
of infinitesimal length dl along the wire.
The magnetic force (𝑑𝐹 ⃗) acting on a segment due to perpendicular
magnetic field 𝐵⃗ is given by,

𝑑𝐹 ⃗ = 𝐼 𝑑𝑙⃗ × 𝐵⃗ ……… [1]

The force on total length of wire is given by,
𝐹 ⃗ = ∫ 𝑑𝐹 ⃗ = 𝐼 ∫ 𝑑𝑙⃗ × 𝐵⃗………. [2]
If 𝐵⃗ is uniform over the whole wire then,
𝐹 ⃗ = 𝐼 ∫ 𝑑𝑙⃗ × 𝐵⃗……… [3]

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Force on a Closed Circuit in a Magnetic Field 𝑩⃗:

The force acting on a current carrying conductor of an arbitrarily shaped in uniform magnetic field
⃗
𝐵 is given by,

𝐹 ⃗ = 𝐼 ∫ 𝑑𝑙⃗ × 𝐵⃗ …………………. [1]

Consider a closed wire circuit C,

𝐹 ⃗ = 𝐼 ∮ 𝑑𝑙⃗ × 𝐵⃗ ………. [2]

∮ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = sum of vectors along a closed circuit = 0

Hence, 𝐹 ⃗ = 0

Flemings Left Hand Rule:

Stretch the thumb, the first finger and middle finger of left hand so that they are mutually
perpendicular to each other. If first finger represents the direction of magnetic field and middle finger
represents the direction of the current, then the outstretched the indicates the direction of the magnetic force
on the current carrying conductor.

Torque on a Current Loop:

Consider a rectangular loop ‘abcd’ placed in the uniform magnetic field 𝐵⃗ such that side ab and cd
are perpendicular to 𝐵⃗. Current I is flowing through the coil as shown in figure. Let l1 and l2 be the length
and breadth of this rectangular loop.

We know that current carrying wire placed in magnetic field experiences a magnetic force (𝐹 ⃗).
Hence for the loop ‘abcd’ four magnetic forces on the four sides of the rectangular coil will be exerted.
The magnetic force acting on current carrying wire is given as,

𝐹 ⃗ = 𝐼 𝐿⃗ × 𝐵⃗

𝐹 = 𝐼𝐿𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ……………. [1]

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As side ‘bc’ and ‘ad’ are parallel to the magnetic field 𝐵⃗,
force acting on them will be zero.
As side ‘ab’ and ‘cd’ are perpendicular to magnetic field
𝐵⃗, the magnitude of magnetic forces is give as
𝐹 = 𝐹 = 𝐼𝑙 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛90 = 𝐼𝑙 𝐵……….. [2]
The direction of Fab and Fcd are obtained by cross product
of 𝑙⃗ × 𝐵⃗ where 𝑙⃗ is the vector along the current in the
wire.

Let the coil rotated by an angle θ i.e. the unit vector (𝑛) perpendicular to the plane of coil is
making angle of θ with 𝐵⃗. The side view is shown in following figure.

As side ‘bc’ and ‘ad’ are making an angle of (90 – 𝜃) with the magnetic field 𝐵⃗ the magnitude of
magnetic forces is give as
𝐹 =𝐹 = 𝐼𝑙 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛(90 – 𝜃)……….. [3]

The two force Fbc and Fad are equal and opposite and both acts along same line. Thus Fbc and Fad
will cancel each other.

From eq.[2], the magnitude of forces Fab and Fcd do not act along the same line and hence they produce net
torque.

The moment arm is (𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃) about the central axis of the loop. The torque (τ) due to forces 𝐹 ⃗
and 𝐹 ⃗ will be equal to,
1 1
𝜏 = 𝐼𝑙 𝐵 × (𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃) + 𝐼𝑙 𝐵 × (𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
2 2

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𝜏 = 𝐼𝑙 𝑙 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ………………… [4]

The torque is given as,
𝜏 = 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 × 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑠
𝜏 = 𝐼𝑙 𝐵 × 𝑝𝑐
In Δbpc, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 =

𝜏 = 𝐼𝑙 𝑙 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ………………… [4]

If the current carrying loop is made up of ‘N’ number of turns then the total torque is given by,
𝜏 = 𝑁𝜏 = 𝑁𝐼𝑙 𝑙 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
As, 𝐴 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑝 = 𝑙 𝑙
𝜏 = 𝑁𝐼𝐴𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ………… [5]
This is the required expression for torque acting on current loop.

Moving Coil Galvanometer (M.C.G.):

 Principle of M.C.G.:
When a coil carrying an electric current is suspended in a uniform magnetic field, a torque acts on it.
This torque tends to rotate the coil about the axis of suspension so that the magnetic flux passing
through the coil is maximum.
 Construction and Working:

1) It consists of a coil of several turns mounted (suspended or pivoted) in such a way that it can
freely rotate about a fixed axis, in a radial uniform magnetic field produced by two strong poles
of a magnet, which is having cylindrically concave pole pieces.
2) A soft iron cylindrical core makes the field radial and strong.
3) The coil rotates due to a torque acting on it as the current flows through it.
4) The torque acting on current carrying coil is 𝜏 = 𝑁𝐼𝐴𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃. Here θ=900 as field is radial.
5) Therefore the torque 𝜏 = 𝑁𝐼𝐴𝐵 where, A is the area of the coil, B the strength of the magnetic
field, N the number of turns of the coil and I the current in the coil.

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6) This torque is counter balanced by a torque due to a spring which is fitted at the bottom so that
a fixed steady current I in the coil produces a steady angular deflection ϕ.
7) Larger the current is, larger is the deflection and larger is the torque due to the spring. If the
deflection is ϕ, the restoring torque due to the spring is equal to Kϕ, where K is the torsional
constant of the spring.
8) Thus 𝐾𝜙 = 𝑁𝐼𝐴𝐵 and therefore the deflection,
𝑁𝐴𝐵
𝜙= 𝐼
𝐾
The bracket term = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
Hence, the deflection ϕ is proportional to the current i.e. 𝜙 ∝ 𝐼

Magnetic Dipole Moment (m):

The magnitude of magnetic dipole moment of current carrying coil is given as 𝑚 = 𝑁𝐼𝐴, where N
is the number of turns in the coil, I is the current passing through the coil and A area enclosed by each turn
of the coil.

In vector form we can write, 𝑚⃗ = 𝑁𝐼𝐴⃗

The direction of 𝑚⃗ is in the direction of 𝐴⃗ (𝐴⃗ is the area vector normal to the plane of coil), given by a right
hand rule.
If the fingers of right hand are curled in the direction of current in the loop, the outstretched thumb is the
direction of 𝐴⃗ and 𝑚⃗.

If the coil is placed in uniform magnetic field 𝐵⃗ , the coil is rotated within the magnetic field. The torque
responsible for rotation of the coil is given by, 𝜏 = 𝑚𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃, where θ is the angle between 𝑚⃗ and 𝐵⃗.

In vector form 𝜏⃗ = 𝑚⃗ × 𝐵⃗

Magnetic Potential Energy of a Dipole:

A magnetic dipole freely suspended in a magnetic field possesses magnetic potential energy because
of its orientation in the field.
The potential energy U of an electric dipole moment 𝑃⃗ in an electric field 𝐸⃗ is given by,

𝑈 = −𝑃⃗ . 𝐸⃗

Analogously, the magnetic potential energy of a magnetic dipole moment 𝑚⃗ in a magnetic field 𝐵⃗ is
given by
𝑈 = −𝑚⃗ . 𝐵⃗ = −𝑚𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 ………. [1]

where θ is the angle between 𝑚⃗ and 𝐵⃗.

Case I:
If θ = 00, then 𝑈 = −𝑚𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠0 = −𝑚𝐵

This is the minimum potential energy of a magnetic dipole in a magnetic field i.e., when 𝜇⃗ and 𝐵⃗
are parallel to each other.

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Case II:
If θ = 1800, then 𝑈 = −𝑚𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠180 = 𝑚𝐵

This is the maximum potential energy of a magnetic dipole in a magnetic field i.e., when 𝑚⃗ and 𝐵⃗
are antiparallel to each other.

Biot-Savart Law:

Consider an arbitrarily shaped current carrying conductor, carrying current I. Consider a small
element of the wire of length dl along the wire. The current in this element is in the direction of the length
vector dl.
Let P be any point at distance r from element dl. Net magnetic field at the point P can be obtained by
integrating i.e., summing up of magnetic fields 𝑑𝐵⃗ from these length elements.
Experimentally, the magnetic fields 𝑑𝐵⃗ produced by current I in the length element 𝑑𝑙⃗ is
𝑑𝐵 = ………. [1]
Where, θ: angle between 𝑑𝑙⃗ and 𝑟⃗,
𝜇 is the permeability of free space = 4𝜋 × 10 ≈ 1.26 × 10
In vector form:

( ⃗× ⃗)
𝑑𝐵⃗ = …………… [2]

Eq. [1] and [2] are known as Biot-Savart law.

( ⃗× ⃗)
The total magnetic field is 𝐵⃗ = ∫ ……………. [3] [Vector Form]

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[The magnitude of magnetic field of induction (dB) at any point due to small current carrying
element is

a) Directly proportional to current (I)

b) Directly proportional to the length of the element (dl)
c) Directly proportional to the sine of angle (θ) between 𝑑𝑙⃗ and 𝑟⃗,
d) Inversely proportional to the square of the distance (r) of a point from the element dl.
𝐼𝑑𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑑𝐵 ∝
𝑟
𝐼𝑑𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝜇
𝑑𝐵 = 𝐾 ………………… ∵ 𝐾 =
𝑟 4𝜋

Where, K is the constant of proportionality]

Current in a Long Straight Wire:

Consider a straight wire of length l carrying current I. Let P be any point situated at a perpendicular
distance R from the wire. Consider infinitesimal small element of length 𝑑𝑙⃗ of wire. Current element is
situated at distance r from point P making an angle θ. The magnetic field produce at a point P due to small
current carrying element 𝑑𝑙⃗ is given by Biot-Savart law,

𝑑𝐵 = …….. ….. [1]

Summing up all current elements upper half of infinitely long wire,

𝐵 = ∫ 𝑑𝐵 = ∫ ……………… [2]

Taking into account symmetry of wire, current elements in lower half of infinitely long wire will also
contribute same as upper half i.e. 𝐵 =𝐵 …………. [3]

Adding contributions from lower and upper part, total magnetic field at point P is,
𝐵=𝐵 +𝐵 …….. [4]

𝐵 = 2 ∫ 𝑑𝐵 = ∫ ……………. [5]

From figure, 𝑟 = √𝑙 + 𝑅 and 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜋 − 𝜃) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = = …………….. [6]

√
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From eq. [5] and [6]

𝜇 𝐼 𝑅𝑑𝑙
𝐵=
2𝜋 (𝑙 + 𝑅 )√𝑙 + 𝑅
𝜇 𝐼 𝑑𝑙
𝐵= 𝑅
2𝜋
(𝑙 + 𝑅 )

𝜇 𝐼 1 𝑑𝑙 1
𝐵= 𝑅 × ………………………. ∵ =
2𝜋 𝑅 𝑅
(𝑙 + 𝑅 )

𝐵= = ………… [7]

This is the equation for magnetic field at a point P at a perpendicular distance R from the infinitely straight
wire.

For Semi-infinite straight wire:

From eq. [4] we can write
𝐵 = 2𝐵

𝐵 = = ………….. [8]

From eq. [7] and [8] we can conclude that, the magnetic field is inversely proportional to the distance from
the wire.

Force of Attraction between Two Long Parallel Wires:

1) Consider two parallel wires separated by distance d.

2) Let I1 and I2 be the current flowing through two wires respectively in same direction as shown in
figure.
3) The magnetic field at the second wire due to the current I1 in first wire, according to Biot-Savart
law is
𝐵 = …… [1]
[By right hand rule the direction of this magnetic field is into plane of paper]
4) Similarly, the magnetic field at the first wire due to the current I2 in second wire, according to Biot-
Savart law is

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𝐵 = …… [2]
[By right hand rule the direction of this magnetic field is coming out of the plane of paper]
5) The force (F21) acting on wire 2 because of current I2 and magnetic field B1 due to current in wire 1
is given by,
𝐹 = 𝐼 𝐵 ∫ 𝑑𝑙 = 𝐼 ∫ 𝑑𝑙 ……….. [3]
The direction of the force is towards wire 1.
6) Similarly, the force (F12) acting on wire 1 because of current I1 and magnetic field B2 due to
current in wire 2 is given by,
𝐹 = 𝐼 𝐵 ∫ 𝑑𝑙 = 𝐼 ∫ 𝑑𝑙 …………. [4]
The direction of the force is towards wire 2.
7) Hence forces acting on two wires are attractive forces.
8) Let us consider a section of length L of both wire 1 and 2 respectively.
Therefore ∫ 𝑑𝑙 = ∫ 𝑑𝑙 = 𝐿
From eq. [3] and [4], we can write

𝐹 =𝐼 𝐿= …………….. [5]

𝐹 =𝐼 𝐿= …………….. [6]

From eq. [5] and [6], we can write

𝐹 = −𝐹 ………………….. [7]
9) The magnitude of force of attraction per unit length of the wire is given by,
= …….. ….. [8]

Note:-
If the current I1 and I2 are flowing in opposite directions, then there is a force of repulsion on the
section of length L of each wires. The magnitude of repulsive force per unit length of wire is also given by,

Definition:
1 ampere (A):- The ampere is that constant current which if maintained in two infinitely long straight
parallel conductors, placed 1 m apart in vacuum, would causes each conductor to experience a force per unit
length of 2x10-7 newton per meter (N/m).
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Magnetic Field Produced by a Current in a Circular Arc of a Wire:

Consider a circular arc AB of a wire carrying current I. The circular arc AB subtends an angle θ at
the center O of the circle of which the arc is a part and r is its radius. The magnetic field produced at point
O due to small element dl is given by Biot-Savart law as
( ⃗× ⃗)
𝑑𝐵⃗ = …. …… [1]

𝜇 𝐼. 𝑑𝑙. 𝑟. 𝑆𝑖𝑛90
𝑑𝐵 =
4𝜋 𝑟

𝑑𝐵 = ……………. [2]

The direction of each dB is into the plane of paper. [By right hand rule]
The total field at point O is therefore,
𝜇 𝑑𝑙
𝐵 = 𝑑𝐵 = 𝐼
4𝜋 𝑟

𝜇 𝑑𝑙 𝜇 𝑟𝑑𝜃 𝐴𝑟𝑐
𝐵= 𝐼 = 𝐼 ∴𝜃=
4𝜋 𝑟 4𝜋 𝑟 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠

𝐵= 𝐼∫ = 𝜃 ……… [3]

Where, the angle is in radian.

For a full circular wire carrying a current I, the magnetic field at the centre of the circle is given by eq. [3]
𝜇 𝐼
𝐵= 2𝜋
4𝜋 𝑟

𝐵= ……………….. [4]

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Axial Magnetic Field Produced by Current in a Circular Loop:

Consider a circular loop of a wire of radius carrying a current I. The loop is placed in the x-y plane
with its centre at the origin O. Let point P be any point on z – axis at distance 𝑟⃗ from line element 𝑑𝑙⃗ of the
loop. Let z be the distance of point P from origin O.
The magnitude of the magnetic field dB is given by Biot-Savart law,
⃗ ×⃗
𝑑𝐵 = 𝐼 ……………. [1]

Any element 𝑑𝑙⃗ will always be perpendicular to the vector 𝑟⃗ from the element to the point P. The element
𝑑𝑙⃗ is in the x-y plane, while the vector 𝑟⃗ is in the y-z plane. Hence 𝑑𝑙⃗ × 𝑟⃗ = 𝑟. 𝑑𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑟𝑑𝑙
From eq. [1]

𝑑𝐵 = 𝐼 = 𝐼 ………. [2]

From figure, we can write, 𝑟 = 𝑧 + 𝑅

𝑑𝐵 = 𝐼 ………… [3]
( )

The direction of 𝑑𝐵⃗ is perpendicular to the plane formed by 𝑑𝑙⃗ and 𝑟⃗. Its z component is 𝑑𝐵 and the
component perpendicular to the z-axis is 𝑑𝐵 . The components 𝑑𝐵 when summed over, yield zero as they
cancel out due to symmetry. Hence, only z component remains. The net contribution along the z axis is
obtained by integrating 𝑑𝐵 = 𝑑𝐵 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 over the entire loop.
From figure;
𝑅 𝑅
cos 𝜃 = =
𝑟 √𝑧 + 𝑅
𝜇 𝑑𝑙
𝐵 = 𝑑𝐵 = 𝑑𝐵 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
4𝜋 (𝑧 + 𝑅 )

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𝜇 𝑅𝑑𝑙
𝐵 = 𝐼
4𝜋
(𝑧 + 𝑅 )
𝜇 𝑅 𝜇 𝑅
𝐵 = 𝐼 𝑑𝑙 = 𝐼 × 2𝜋𝑅
4𝜋 4𝜋
(𝑧 + 𝑅 ) (𝑧 + 𝑅 )

𝐵 = × ………………. [4]
( )

This is the magnitude of the magnetic field due to current I in the loop of radius R, on a point at P
on the z axis of the loop.
If point P lie at the centre of the loop i.e. at point O, the 𝑧 = 0.
From eq. [4] we can write,

𝐵 = ………………. [5]

For a coil of N turns,

𝐵 = ……………… [6]

Magnetic Lines for a Current Loop:

Consider a loop carrying current in anticlockwise direction. Applying right hand thumb rule direction
of magnetic field can be found as shown in above figure. Comparing with magnetic field lines originating
from bar magnet it can be stated that upper part of loop in this case behaves like North Pole while lower part
can be regard as South Pole.
[The direction of the field is as per the right hand thumb rule: Curl the palm of your right hand along
the circular wire with the fingers in the direction of the current. The stretched right hand thumb then gives
the direction of the magnetic field]
Circular Loop Carrying Current as a Magnetic Dipole:
The behaviour of the magnetic field due to a circular current loop, at large distances is very similar
to that due to electric field of an electric dipole. Axial magnetic field produced by current (I) in circular
loop is given by,

𝐵 = × ………. [1]
( )

Where, R is radius of the loop, z is the distance of a point from center of the loop.

For large distance z >>>> R then, (𝑧 + 𝑅 ) ≈ 𝑧

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Hence, from eq. [1] we get,

𝐵 = ……… [2]

The area of the circular loop is 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑅

𝐵 = × = …….. [3]

The magnetic moment 𝑚⃗ of a circular loop is defined as 𝑚⃗ = 𝐼 𝐴⃗, where 𝐴⃗ is a vector of magnitude A
and direction perpendicular to A.
From eq. [3]

𝐵 = …………….. [4]

𝐵 ⃗and 𝑚⃗ are in the same direction, perpendicular to the plane of the loop.

Curled Palm Right Hand Rule:

If the fingers of the right hand are curled in the direction in which the loop is traced, then a current
in the direction of the stretched thumb is assigned positive sign and the current in the direction opposite to
the stretched thumb is assigned negative sign.
By using curled palm right hand rule we can mark the currents positive sign or negative sign.
Ampere’s Law:
 Statement:
The line integral of magnetic field of induction 𝐵⃗ around any closed path equal to µo times
the total current I enclosed by that closed path.
𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 𝜇 𝐼
Where µo is absolute permeability of free space.
The sign ∮ indicates that the integral is to be evaluated over a closed loop called Amperian
loop. The current I on the right hand side is the net current encircled by the Amperian loop.

 Explanation:

1) Consider a cross-sections of four long straight wires carrying currents I1, I2, I3, I4 into or out
of the plane of the paper are shown in above figure.
2) An Amperian loop is drawn to encircle 3 of the current wires and the fourth one is outside the
loop.
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3) As the current goes perpendicular to the plane of the paper, 𝐵⃗ is in the plane of the paper even
if its direction is unknown.
4) Let this Amperian loop is divided into small elements each of length 𝑑𝑙⃗ .
𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 𝐵𝑑𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 𝜇 𝐼
5) By curled palm right hand rule, the currents I1 and I2 are coming out of the paper parallel to
the stretched thumb. Hence these are positive. The current I3 going into the plane of paper,
thus it is negative.
6) The current I4 is not within the Amperian loop, hence it does not contribute to the magnetic
field.
Therefore, ∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = ∮ 𝐵𝑑𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 𝜇 (𝐼 + 𝐼 − 𝐼 )
Magnetic Field due to Long Straight Conductor Carrying a Current:

Consider a long straight conductor carrying current I. Let us consider an Amperian loop as a circle
of radius r. It is drawn in the plane perpendicular to the conductor, with conductor passing through its centre.

𝐵⃗ and 𝑑𝑙⃗ are tangential to the Amperian loop. The angle between 𝐵⃗ and 𝑑𝑙⃗ is zero hence,

𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 𝐵𝑑𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 𝐵𝑑𝑙 = 𝐵𝑟𝑑𝜃 …… [1]

The magnetic field 𝐵⃗ at a distance r from the wire is given by,

𝜇 𝐼
𝐵=
2𝜋𝑟
Therefore,
𝜇 𝐼 𝜇 𝐼
𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 𝐵𝑟𝑑𝜃 = 𝑟𝑑𝜃 = 𝑟 𝑑𝜃
2𝜋𝑟 2𝜋𝑟

∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 𝜇 𝐼 ………. [2]

Also we can show,
𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 𝐵𝑑𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 𝐵𝑑𝑙

∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 𝐵 ∮ 𝑑𝑙 = 𝐵(2𝜋𝑟). ……….. [1]

By Amperes Law,
∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 𝜇 𝐼 ………….. [2]
From eq. [1] and [2]

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𝐵(2𝜋𝑟) = 𝜇 𝐼

𝐵= ………. [3]
The above equation shows that the magnetic field B of an infinitely long wire is proportional to the
current I but inversely proportional to the distance r from the wire.

Magnetic Field due to Solenoid:

Solenoid is a long coil of wire closely wound in the form of helix (spring). Its length is very long as
compared to its diameter.
When the current is passed through solenoid, the magnetic field is produced inside the solenoid. The
magnetic field outside the solenoid is consider to be zero because magnetic lines of force are widely
separated. The magnetic field inside solenoid is uniform and parallel to the solenoid axis.
Let, n is the number of turns per unit length of solenoid, B is the magnitude of magnetic field inside
the solenoid. Consider a rectangular closed path abcd as an Amperian loop as shown in figure such that
length of side ab is L. The line integral of B over the closed path abcd is given as,

∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = ∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ + ∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ + ∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ + ∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ ……….. [1]

The side ab is parallel to magnetic field B, hence

∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = ∮ 𝐵𝑑𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 𝐵 ∮ 𝑑𝑙 = 𝐵𝐿 …………… [2]

∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = ∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 0 … … … … … . . [∴ 𝜃 = 90 ] ……… [3]

∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 0 ……… [4]

As side cd is outside the solenoid, hence outside the solenoid B = 0

From eq. [1], [2], [3] and [4] we get,

∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 𝐵𝐿 + 0 + 0 + 0 = 𝐵𝐿 ……… [5]

If the number of turns is n per unit length of the solenoid and the current flowing through the each turn is i,
then the net current 𝐼 = 𝑛𝐿𝑖

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By Ampere’s Law

∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 𝜇 𝐼 = 𝜇 𝑛𝐿𝑖 ………… [6]

From eq. [5] and [6], we get
𝐵𝐿 = 𝜇 𝑛𝐿𝑖
𝐵 = 𝜇 𝑛𝑖……………………. [7]
This is the required expression.
[The above equation holds good for a realistic solenoid, particularly when applied to points in the middle
of it but certainly not to points near the ends.]
Magnetic Field due to a Toroid:

A toroid is a solenoid of finite length bent into a hollow circular ring. Consider a toroid having n
number of turns per unit length, B is the magnitude of magnetic field inside the toroid. The magnetic field
around the toroid consists of concentric circular lines of force around it. Magnetic field is produced, when
a steady current I flows through toroid.
The direction of magnetic field at a point is along the tangent to the circular path at that point. Let
R be the radius of the Amperian loop. This loop is concentric with the axis of toroid.
Applying Amperes law,

∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 𝜇 𝐼 = 𝜇 𝑁𝑖…………….. [1]

Where, N: number of turns in the toroid, I: total current flowing through toroid, i: current flowing
through each turn

We know that, ∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = ∮ 𝐵𝑑𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 …………….. [2]

As 𝐵⃗ and 𝑑𝑙⃗ are in the same direction hence, 𝜃 = 0 , 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 1

∮ 𝐵⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = ∮ 𝐵𝑑𝑙 = 𝐵 ∮ 𝑑𝑙 = 𝐵(2𝜋𝑅) ………….. [3]

From eq. [1] and [3] we get
𝐵(2𝜋𝑅) = 𝜇 𝑁𝑖

𝐵= …….. [4]

This is the required expression. From eq. [4] we can say that B is inversely proportional to R.
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