Contextualization

Electric current and magnetism are two fundamental pillars of physics. Both have enormous practical applications and facilitate our daily lives in many ways. For example, they are the basis for the generation and distribution of electrical energy, the operation of electric motors, telephones, computers, and all kinds of electrical equipment.

Can you imagine a world without electricity? Life as we know it would be very different! And, surprisingly, the force acting on a conductor wire carrying an electric current placed in a magnetic field - the topic of this project - is behind many of these things.

Introduction

When a conductor wire is carrying an electric current and placed in a magnetic field, a force arises on it. This happens because of the interaction between the electric current and the magnetic field. This phenomenon, known as the magnetic force on a wire carrying an electric current, is one of the most important ideas in physics.

The magnitude of this force depends on the current, the length of the wire within the magnetic field, and the strength of the magnetic field. The direction of the force is perpendicular to the plane formed by the wire and the direction of the magnetic field. These properties are part of the so-called Right-Hand Rule.

In this project, you will work in groups to explore this idea. You will assemble a simple electrical circuit and use a magnet to create a magnetic field. Then, you will measure the force that arises in the wire when the electric current passes through it.

To prepare for this project, you can study the chapter on magnetic force in conductor wires from the book 'Physics for Scientists and Engineers' by Serway and Jewett. The Interactive Physics website of the USP Physics Institute (http://efisica.if.usp.br/eletricidade/magnetismo/forca_sobre_condutor/) is also a great source of information. Remember, the goal of this project is not only to understand the theory but also to see how it applies in practice!

Practical Activity

Activity Title:

Exploring the Force on a Wire with Current

Project Objective:

Understand and apply the law of magnetic force acting on a conductor wire with current, experimenting with it in practice.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members. They will be tasked with assembling a simple circuit and conducting experiments to observe and measure the magnetic force on a conductor wire with current in a magnetic field.

Required Materials:

• Conductor wire (1 meter)
• Power source (battery)
• Magnets
• Precision scale
• Ruler
• Multimeter
• Switch
• Clips to connect the wires (if necessary)

Detailed Step-by-Step:

1. Assemble the circuit: Connect the power source, the conductor wire, and the switch. Ensure the circuit is open (switch off).

2. Place the magnet near the conductor wire. Depending on the size of the magnet, you may need to make a support for it.

3. Measure and record the weight of the wire with the precision scale.

4. Turn on the circuit (close the switch) so that the electric current flows through the wire.

5. Observe if there is any change in the weight of the wire indicated on the scale.

6. Record all observations. Remember to also note the value of the electric current measured by the multimeter and the distance between the wire and the magnet.

7. Repeat the experiment by changing the values of the electric current and the distance between the wire and the magnet. Record all values and observations.

Project Deliverables:

1. Technical Report: Students must write a detailed report on the experiment, containing:

   • Introduction: Brief explanation of the concept, its relevance and practical application, and the objective of the experiment.
   • Development: Detailed discussion of the theory, description of the circuit assembly and the experiment, methodology used, and presentation and discussion of the results obtained.
   • Conclusion: Discussion of the main learnings and conclusions drawn from the project.
   • Bibliography: References to all bibliographic sources from which information was gathered to carry out the project.

2. Group Presentation: Each group will give a presentation, where they will explain the procedure used, the results obtained, and the conclusions reached. This will help develop their oral and teamwork skills.

Remember: the goal is for each student to understand the theory and practice behind the magnetic force acting on a wire with current, and students will also be evaluated on their ability to work in a team, manage their time, and communicate their results.