Confusion about the right hand rule (Lorentz Force)

[sk8ermeb]

Hello. I am trying to do a basic experiment to demonstrate
I⊗β≈ƒ
or current cross magnetic field results in a force perpendicular to the plane of the other two. But every time I test this out, it appears I get a force in the same direction as the magnetic field. Here is my experiment:
Strong magnets in the "x" direction or horizontal. A wire running through the center carrying 50 mA or so. According to the right hand rule the force on the wire should either be up or down depending on the polarity, but every time I try this, the wire snaps right to one of the magnets? It appears that the wire becomes "magnetic" and will go to either side depending on which is closer. What am I missing, or how could I modify this experiment to demonstrate the right hand rule?

Thank you in advance

 

[Dale]

The magnetic field will be highly non-uniform in that setup. You may need to get a much more uniform field. A better approach may be two straight parallel wires. The field will not be uniform, but it will be more symmetric.

 

[BvU]

You may also want to use a much stronger current and constrain the motion of the wire.
Google current balance :

And: do the calculation to check what force you expect to measure...

 

[sophiecentaur]

The magnets these days are so darned strong. In the past, a horseshoe magnet, a loop of wire and a battery would produce the motion you'd expect.

the wire snaps right to one of the magnets?

Did you mean "one of the poles"? The field could be really wild between two different magnets.
If you can make up a C shaped yoke out of steel to add to the magnet, you may get a more uniform field between poles consisting of two wide plates. Look at Google images of experiments with magnetism for ideas with your equipment.