Can a Mass Attached to a Spring Move in a Magnetic Field with Electric Current?

[Bananas40]

Homework Statement

A mass is attached to a spring through which circulates an electric current. Will the mass move?

Homework Equations

F = I l $\times$ B ?

The Attempt at a Solution

A spring is geometrically equivalent to a solenoid. Therefore, the current would generate a magnetic field which goes through the spring. What I'm not sure of is whether this magnetic field exerts a force on the solenoid or not.

Thank you.

 

[BvU]

Consider what F = I l × B of a small section of the spring does on the current in the next loop of the coil. What is the direction of the resulting force ? (Ideal) springs are supposed to extend/contract in repsonse to forces in which direction ?

Problem formulation is somewhat vague: was the current there when we opened our eyes, or was it switched on at that moment ?