A 1 m long metal rod XY completes the circuit as shown in figure. The plane of the circuit is perpendicular to the magnetic field of flux density 0.15 T. If the resistance of the circuit is 5Ω, the force needed to move the rod in direction, as indicated, with a constant speed of 4m/s will be ____10−3N.
Answer: 18
Solution
The motional emf is ε=Bℓv, driving a current i=RBℓv through the rod. To keep the rod moving at constant speed the applied force must balance the magnetic force F=Biℓ, giving F=RB2ℓ2v. Substituting B=0.15 T, ℓ=1 m, v=4m s−1 and R=5Ω: F=5(0.15)2(1)2(4)=50.09=0.018 N. The required force is 18×10−3 N.