scientific
1
012-04046C
Current Balance and Accessory
Introduction
A current-carrying wire in a magnetic field experi-
ences a force that is usually referred to as a magnetic
force. The magnitude and direction of this force
depend on four variables: the magnitude of the current
(I); the length of the wire (L); the strength of the
magnetic field (B); and the angle between the field and
the wire (
θ
).
This magnetic force can be described mathematically
by the vector cross product:
F
m
= IL X B,
or in scalar terms,
F
m
= ILBsin
θ
.
With the PASCO SF-8607 Basic Current Balance, you
can vary three of the variables in the equation—the
current, the length of the wire, and the strength of the
magnetic field—and measure the resulting magnetic
force. By adding the SF-8608 Current Balance
Accessory, you can also vary the angle between the
wire and the magnetic field, thereby performing a
complete investigation into the interaction between a
current carrying wire and a magnetic field.
This manual supplies general operating instructions for
both the SF-8607 Basic Current Balance and the
SF-8608 Current Balance Accessory. Step-by-step
instructions for four experiments are also included.
