SI unit of magnetomotive force (mmf) in electromagnetic circuits Identify the correct SI unit for magnetomotive force, considering mmf = N * I for a coil with N turns carrying current I.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: A (ampere)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Magnetomotive force (mmf) drives magnetic flux in a magnetic circuit analogous to how electromotive force drives current in an electric circuit. Understanding correct SI units prevents confusion when relating coil parameters, reluctance, and flux.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Definition: mmf = N * I, where N is number of turns and I is current in amperes.
  • Reluctance R_m relates mmf and flux via mmf = Φ * R_m.
  • We use SI base units.



Concept / Approach:
Since N is a pure count (dimensionless), mmf carries the units of current. Thus, the SI unit for mmf is ampere (A). In practice, engineers often speak of ampere-turn (A·t) to emphasize that increasing turns multiplies the mmf, but this is not a distinct SI base unit.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Start from mmf = N * I.Dimensional analysis: N is dimensionless, I has unit A.Therefore, unit of mmf is A.



Verification / Alternative check:
Textbook tables list ampere (or ampere-turn as a descriptive derivative) for mmf; standards agree that the base SI unit reduces to ampere.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Weber (Wb) measures magnetic flux; tesla (T) measures flux density; volt (V) measures electrical potential difference. None represent mmf.



Common Pitfalls:

  • Believing that ampere-turn is a separate SI unit; it is a convenient expression but dimensionally equivalent to ampere.
  • Confusing mmf with magnetic field strength H, which has units A/m.



Final Answer:
A (ampere)


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