Question

A section of wire in a circuit is 20 centimeters long and is carrying 3 amps of current. If the current is traveling from right to left along the wire in a 50 mT magnetic field that is straight up? Which direction is the magnetic force in this situation?​

Answer 1

To determine the direction of the magnetic force in this situation, we can use the right-hand rule for the cross product of vectors.

When using the right-hand rule, you can follow these steps:

1. Extend your right hand and align your fingers in the direction of the current (from right to left in this case).

2. Curl your fingers towards the direction of the magnetic field (upwards in this case).

3. Your thumb will point in the direction of the magnetic force.

In this scenario, if the current is traveling from right to left along the wire and the magnetic field is pointing straight up, the magnetic force will be directed out of the screen or towards you.

So, the magnetic force in this situation is directed towards you.