How does the homopolar motor work? Draw a diagram to illustrate the direction of current flow, magnetic fields, and the force on the wire. Explain why it is not necessary to switch the polarity of current (hence “homopolar”) on this motor.
A homopolar motor uses direct current to power rotational movement.This motor is driven by the Lorentz force.When a current carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field which is perpendicular to the current, it experiences a force in the direction perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the current.This force provides a torque for the rotational movement of the conductor(wire). In homopolar motor, the axis of rotation is parallel to the magnetic field and that is why the opposing magnetic field do not change polarity.
Fig : Current , Magnetic field lines & Lorentz force on Homopolar motor
The & shows the Lorentz force on the wire.
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