Question

The north pole of a magnet is brought near a stationary negatively charged conductor. Will the pole experience any force?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Can't say
• D. Depends on the magnitude of pole strength.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

B

Answer 2

A stationary charged conductor produces an electric field ($\vec{E}$) but no magnetic field ($\vec{B}$). A magnetic pole (or a magnet) is not an electric charge, hence it does not experience a force in an electric field. A magnetic pole experiences a force only when it is in a magnetic field. Since the stationary charged conductor does not produce a magnetic field, the north pole of the magnet will not experience any magnetic force from the conductor. Therefore, the pole will experience no force.