Exam-style question
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What occurs when a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field?.
- A.A Hall voltage is generated across the conductor
- B.The conductor heats up due to resistance
- C.The magnetic field strength increases
- D.The current in the conductor decreases
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- A Hall voltage is generated across the conductor
Explanation
Why this works
The cause is the presence of a magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor. The mechanism involves the Lorentz force acting on the charge carriers in the conductor, which causes a separation of charges.
The effect is the generation of a Hall voltage across the conductor, which can be measured. The consequence is that this Hall voltage can be used to determine the strength of the magnetic field or the current flowing through the conductor.
Common mistake
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