1
$\begingroup$

Why is it that if a conductor 'cuts through' (what does this mean?) a magnetic field that a potential difference is produced?

I read this recently in a textbook...

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0
$\begingroup$

The conductor is a metal and hence it has free electrons. These free electrons are charge carriers and therefore when influenced by a magnetic field (i.e. the magnetic field exerts a force on the electrons), they move to create a potential difference in the conductor. This effect is even more greatly amplified, when the field lines of the magnet are perpendicular to the conductor, hence the term 'cut across'.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.