A coil ABCD mounted on an axle is placed between the poles N and S of a permanent magnet as shown in figure
A coil ABCD mounted on an axle is placed between the poles N and S of a permanent magnet as shown in figure

(a) In which direction will the coil begin to rotate when current is passed through the coil in direction ABCD by connecting a battery at the ends A and D of the coil?

(b)Why is a commutator necessary for the continuous rotation of the coil?

(c) Complete the diagram with the commutator, etc. for the flow of current in the coil.

Solution:

(a) The coil starts to rotate in the opposite direction as the clock.

(b) After half revolution, the arms AB and CD are swapped, reversing the direction of torque on the coil. A commutator is required to keep the coil rotating in the same direction by reversing the direction of current in the coil after each half rotation. As a result, the commutator is required for the coil to rotate continuously.

(c) The complete diagram is given below –