Direction of force using right hand rule

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the right-hand rule in determining the direction of force in a magnetic field, particularly when there is an angle between the magnetic field and the current. The original poster presents a specific problem involving the calculation of force magnitude and seeks clarification on the angle used in the right-hand rule.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct interpretation of the angle theta in relation to the magnetic field and current. There are inquiries about the right-hand rule's application when an angle exists between these vectors. Some participants share resources and methods for visualizing the right-hand rule.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing links and resources to clarify the right-hand rule. There is a mix of confirmations and suggestions for further exploration of the topic, but no explicit consensus has been reached regarding the application of the rule in the context presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of applying the right-hand rule under specific conditions, including the presence of an angle between the magnetic field and current. The original poster's reference to a specific answer suggests a need for further exploration of the problem's setup and assumptions.

t_n_p
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Homework Statement



http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5084/71282075fy0.jpg

Homework Equations



There are many variations on the right hand rule, but I'm most confortable with the following. Current is in the direction of thumb, B field is in direction of fingers and F shoots out of the palm

The Attempt at a Solution



I can find the magnitude easily using F=BiLsin(theta). I get 3N. Can someone just confirm that theta is the angle between B and i? I'm not sure how to find the direction with the right hand rule in such a case (where there is an angle between B and I). For reference, the answer is into the page.
 
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t_n_p said:
Can someone just confirm that theta is the angle between B and i?
Sounds good to me
t_n_p said:
I'm not sure how to find the direction with the right hand rule in such a case (where there is an angle between B and I). For reference, the answer is into the page.
This right-hand rule tells you the direction of the magnetic field created by the wire, not the direction of the force on the wire. See this page <http://www.molecularexpressions.com/electromag/electricity/generators/index.html> for more information. The rule you need is in figure 9.
 
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left hand rule? never heard of such a thing!
Are you aware of any other methods to find direction of force using right hand rules?
 
Here are two links that may help with the right hand rule:
http://www.physics.brocku.ca/faculty/sternin/120/slides/rh-rule.html
http://physics.syr.edu/courses/video/RightHandRule/

I always use the version that's shown (in the first link) in the right most middle diagram--where the fingers curl from one vector to the other and the thumb gives you the force. The second link shows videos of someone actually using it in every possible case!
 
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t_n_p said:
I'm not sure how to find the direction with the right hand rule in such a case (where there is an angle between B and I). For reference, the answer is into the page.

Go ahead and use the right hand rule that you wrote... you should get your palm facing into the page...
 

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