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Perpendicular — OCR GCSE Combined Science A Definition

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Combined Science
Key terms
Perpendicular

GCSE Combined Science · key term

Perpendicular

Definition

At right angles (90°) to another direction or surface.

Used by OCR

How each exam board covers it

OCR GCSE Combined Science A · J250

Specification P3.3i, PM3.3i · Biology Paper 1, Biology Paper 2, Chemistry Paper 1, Chemistry Paper 2, Physics Paper 1, Physics Paper 2

When the current is perpendicular to the magnetic field, the force is perpendicular to both. These are three directions in space, not three arrows that can all lie flat on the same page.
Revise: Fleming's Left-Hand Rule
At right angles: making an angle of $90^\circ$ .

Exam tips

1
Check that the conductor is perpendicular to the magnetic field before using F = BIl. A conductor parallel to the field experiences no magnetic force.

Related key terms

Motor effect
Conductor
Conventional current
Fleming’s left-hand rule
Magnetic flux density

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Revise: Magnetic Force Equation

OCR Combined Science A past papers