We calculate the forces acting on segments of rigid wires carrying constant currents and placed in a uniform magnetic field. This example entices the students to formulate, explore, and prove a conjecture, exposing them to an early example of a research-like project. The sequence of examples discussed here was literally born during an introductory physics class period dedicated to the calculation of the forces acting on segments of current-carrying wires placed in a uniform magnetic field. On that occasion, a series of interchanges between the lecturer and the actively participating students led to the formulation of a conjecture, its exploration, and its final resolution. The resulting lecture was then spontaneously turned into an introduction (of sorts) to research in physics.
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March 2004
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March 01 2004
Magnetic Forces Acting on Rigid Current-Carrying Wires Placed in a Uniform Magnetic Field
A. Casaca;
A. Casaca
Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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J. P. Silva
J. P. Silva
Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Phys. Teach. 42, 161–163 (2004)
Citation
A. Casaca, J. P. Silva; Magnetic Forces Acting on Rigid Current-Carrying Wires Placed in a Uniform Magnetic Field. Phys. Teach. 1 March 2004; 42 (3): 161–163. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.1664383
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