A current-carrying wire is placed in a magnetic field. What is the direction of the force acting on the wire?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
A current-carrying wire is placed in a magnetic field. What is the direction of the force acting on the wire?
Parallel to the wire
Perpendicular to the wire and field
Opposite to the field
In the direction of the field
The force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field is given by the right-hand rule and is perpendicular to both the wire and the magnetic field.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: A current-carrying wire is placed in a magnetic field. What is the direction of the force acting on the wire?
Solution: The force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field is given by the right-hand rule and is perpendicular to both the wire and the magnetic field.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Identify the direction of the current in the wire. This is the direction in which positive charges would flow.
Step 2: Identify the direction of the magnetic field. This is usually indicated by arrows or lines showing the field's direction.
Step 3: Use your right hand to apply the right-hand rule. Point your thumb in the direction of the current (the flow of positive charges).
Step 4: Point your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field lines.
Step 5: Your palm will face in the direction of the force acting on the wire. This force is perpendicular to both the current and the magnetic field.
