Question

In a Hall-effect experiment, is it possible that no transverse potential difference will be observed? Under what circumstances might this happen?

Short answer

No, the transverse potential difference will be observed when the magnetic field parallel to the conductor plate.

Step-by-step solution

Force on a current currying conductor

If an electric current flows through a conductor in a magnetic field the magnetic field exerts a transverse force on the moving charge carries which tends to push them to one side of the conductor. Now, the force acting on a current carrying conductor is given by:

$\overrightarrow{F}=I\overrightarrow{L}\times \overrightarrow{B}$

Transverse potential difference to the conductor plate.

From above we have seen that if the magnetic field is perpendicular to the length of the force is the maximum and if the field is parallel to the length, then the force is zero. Hence, there is no transverse potential difference is observed when the magnetic field is parallel to the conductor plate at the length.