NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 13 Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
1. Which of the following correctly describes the magnetic field near a long straight wire?
(a) The field consists of straight lines perpendicular to the wire.
(b) The field consists of straight lines parallel to the wire.
(c) The field consists of radial lines originating from the wire.
(d) The field consists of concentric circles centred on the wire.
Answer :
(d) The field consists of concentric circles centred on the wire.
On applying right-hand thumb rule, we find the direction of magnetic field. The field is in the form of concentric circles centred on the wire carrying current.
2. The phenomenon of electromagnetic induction is
(a) the process of charging a body.
(b) the process of generating magnetic field due to a current passing through a coil.
(c) producing induced current in a coil due to relative motion between a magnet and the coil.
(d) the process of rotating a coil of an electric motor.
Answer :
(c) producing induced current in a coil due to relative motion between a magnet and the coil.
In electromagnetic induction phenomenon an induced current begins to flow in a coil whenever there is change in magnetic field in and around a coil.
3. The device used for producing electric current is called a
(a) generator.
(b) galvanometer.
(c) ammeter.
(d) motor
Answer :
(a) generator.
An A.C. generator is the device used for producing an electric current.
4. The essential difference between an AC generator and a DC generator is that
(a) AC generator has an electromagnet while a DC generator has permanent magnet.
(b) DC generator will generate a higher voltage.
(c) AC generator will generate a higher voltage.
(d) AC generator has slip rings while the DC generator has a commutator
Answer :
(d) AC generator has slip rings while the DC generator has a commutator
5. At the time of short circuit, the current in the circuit
(a) reduces substantially.
(b) does not change.
(c) increases heavily.
(d) vary continuously.
Answer :
(c) increases heavily.
At the time of short circuiting the live wire and the neutral wire come into direct contact. As a result, the current in the circuit abruptly increases.
6. List three sources of magnetic fields.
Answer :
Three methods of producing magnetic field are as follows:
- Magnetic field can be produced by placing a permanent bar magnet or a horse-shoe magnet at the place, where magnetic field is required.
- Magnetic field is produced around a current-carrying straight conductor or a current carrying circular coil.
- A very good method to produce magnetic field is due to flow of current in a solenoid.
7. How does a solenoid behave like a magnet? Can you determine the north and south poles of a current–carrying solenoid with the help of a bar magnet? Explain.
Answer :
When current is passed through a solenoid coil, magnetic field produced due to each turn of solenoid coil is in the same direction. As a resu1t, the resultant magnetic field become very strong and uniform. The field lines inside the solenoid are in the form of parallel straight lines along the axis of solenoid. Thus, the solenoid behaves like a bar magnet. One end of solenoid behaves as a magnetic North pole while the other end behaves as the South Pole.

We can determine the magnetic poles formed in a solenoid. The end of the current-carrying solenoid, which attracts North Pole but repels South Pole of a bar magnet, is behaving as south magnetic pole. The other end, which attracts South Pole of a bar magnet but repels the North Pole, is behaving as north magnetic pole. It is because like poles repel but unlike poles attract each other.
8. When is the force experienced by a current–carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field largest?
Answer :
The force experienced by a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field is largest when the current-carrying conductor is placed in a direction perpendicular to that of magnetic field.
9. Imagine that you are sitting in a chamber with your back to one wall. An electron beam, moving horizontally from back wall towards the front wall, is deflected by a strong magnetic field to your right side. What is the direction of magnetic field?
Answer :
An electron beam moving horizontally from back wall towards the front wail is equivalent to a current flowing in the opposite direction (i.e., from front wall towards the back wall). The deflection of electron beam as seen by observer is to his right side and is shown in Figure. On applying Fleming's left-hand rule we find that the magnetic field is acting in vertically downward direction.

10. Name some devices in which electric motors are used.
Answer :
Electric motors are used in all such devices where we want to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy so as to drive that machine. In our houses, electric motors are being fitted in electric fans, coolers, air conditioners, mixer grinders, washing machines, refrigerators, juicers, computers etc. In factories, motors are used in almost all machines.
11. A coil of insulated copper wire is connected to a galvanometer. What will happen if a bar magnet is (i) pushed into the coil, (ii) withdrawn from inside the coil, (iii) held stationary inside the coil?
Answer :
A current induces in a solenoid if a bar magnet is moved relative to it. This is the principle of electromagnetic induction.
(i) When a bar magnet is pushed into a coil of insulated copper wire, a current is induced momentarily in the coil. As a result, the needle of the galvanometer deflects momentarily in a particular direction.
(ii) When the bar magnet is withdrawn from inside the coil of the insulated copper wire, a current is again induced momentarily in the coil in the opposite direction. As a result, the needle of the galvanometer deflects momentarily in the opposite direction.
(iii) When a bar magnet is held stationary inside the coil, no current will be induced in the coil. Hence, galvanometer will show no deflection.
12. Two circular coils A and B are placed closed to each other. If the current in the coil A is changed, will some current be induced in the coil B? Give reason.
Answer :
Yes, a current is induced in the coil B. When the current in the coil A is changed, the magnetic field associated with it also changes. As coil B is placed close to A, hence magnetic field lines around this coil also change. Due to change in magnetic field lines associated with coil B, an induced current is also induced in it.
13. State the rule to determine the direction of a (i) magnetic field produced around a straight conductor-carrying current, (ii) force experienced by a current-carrying straight conductor placed in a magnetic field which is perpendicular to it, and (iii) current induced in a coil due to its rotation in a magnetic field.
Answer :
(i) Maxwell’s right hand thumb rule
(ii) Fleming’s left hand rule
(iii) Fleming’s right hand rule