If a charge travels through a magnetic field, it experiences a magnetic force and its velocity is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field. Answer the following questions about the situations given below.
What is the direction of the force on a positive charge when passing through a magnetic field as indicated in the diagram? Explain how you got your answer.
+q ->(right arrow) v (downwards arrow)B
What is the direction of the magnetic field above and below the current-carrying wire below, where the current is flowing in the +x- direction? Explain how you got your answer
[image of a long arrow pointing to the right]
Why aren't the right-hand rules used to figure out the force exerted on particles traveling parallel to a magnetic field?