Chapter 16 Question 4
 
a. State the definition of magnetic flux density. 2 marks
 
The magnetic flux density B at a point is defined as the force acting per unit length per unit current on a current-carrying conductor perpendicular to the field lines at that point.
If a wire carries current I with length l in a magnetic field is acted on by a magnetic force, the magnetic flux density at right angles to the current is
 
 
b. Derive an expression for the couple on a rectangular coil of n turns and dimensions a ´ b carrying a current I when placed in a uniform magnetic field of flux density B at right angles to the sides of the coil of length a and at an angle q to the sides of length b. 4 marks
 
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The total magnetic force acting on each vertical edge is
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These forces are equal but opposite. They form a couple which is
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where A = ab is the area of the coil. 
 
c. With the aid of diagrams, describe the working of a moving-coil galvanometer having a linear scale and suitable for measuring small currents. 4 marks
 
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When current flows in the coil, a torque is generated. But it is restrained by a pair of hair-springs. The restoring couple depends on the deflection:
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where k is the torisional constant of the springs.
The field is radial because the pole is curved and a soft-iron cylinder is fixed at the center. Thus, the magnetic torque is independent of the orientation of the coil.
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Thus, the angle of deflection is directly proportional to the current:
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The scale is linear.
 
d. What do you understand about the current sensitivity of a galvanometer? The coil of a galvanometer is to be made from a wire of a given length. For the sake of high current sensitivity, explain whether more turns should be wound so that each has a smaller area or less turns so that each has a larger area. 4 marks 
 
Current sensitivity is the the angle of deflection per unit current.
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Give a wire of length 8d. The first arrangement (a) gives
 
The second arrangement (b) gives
 
Since the torque on a coil in a B-field is
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The first arrangement gives a stronger torque and thus a higher sensitivity. i.e. We should make less turns by increasing the area of each turn. 1
e. Explain why the coil of a galvanometer is invariably wound on a light metal frame instead of a plastic frame. 2 marks 
 
When a current is suddenly applied to the coil, it would overshoot the equilibrium position (in the same way as releasing a mass from a vertical spring). Then, the pointer would oscillate. 1
The oscillation can be damped if the coil is wound on a light metal frame. As the coil moves, eddy current would be induced to oppose the oscillatory motion. 1
 
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