Force experienced by a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field

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A current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field experiences the Lorentz force, described by the formula F = Bil. This force is indeed perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the direction of the current. For the formula F = Bil to apply, the current must be perpendicular to the magnetic field. The general expression for the force is F = I l x B, which reinforces this relationship. Understanding these orientations is crucial for correctly applying the formula in physics problems.
richieec
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I'm a little bit confused about this...i know that when a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a force called Lorentz force, this is the formula:

F = Bil

but the thing i can't understand is whether this FORCE is perpendicular to the magnetic field or the magnetic field is perpendicular to the CURRENT?

by the right hand rule, i can see easily that the magnetic field is perpendicular to the force, but in some books and examples it says that the current must be perpendicular to the magnetic field for applies this formula.
 
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welcome to pf!

hi richieec! welcome to pf! :smile:
richieec said:
F = Bil

but the thing i can't understand is whether this FORCE is perpendicular to the magnetic field or the magnetic field is perpendicular to the CURRENT?

… in some books and examples it says that the current must be perpendicular to the magnetic field for applies this formula.

for this formula, yes

the general formula is F = I l x B …

so this formula, F = BIl, only works if the current direction (l) is perpendicular to the magnetic field
 
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