Direction of Magnetic Force on a Moving Charge?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the direction of magnetic force acting on a moving charge, specifically addressing a discrepancy between a user's application of the left-hand rule and the mark scheme's answer. The user applied the left-hand rule and concluded that the force should be directed into the page, while the mark scheme indicated it was out of the paper. The confusion arises from the distinction between the flow of current and the movement of an electron, which is negatively charged and affects the direction of the magnetic force.

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  • Understanding of the left-hand rule in electromagnetism
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  • Familiarity with the concepts of current flow and charge polarity
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism and Lorentz force law
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Peter G.
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Hi,

So, applying the left hand rule I got a force into the page for the question attached. The markscheme, however, claims it is out of the paper.

Can anyone help me understand why?

Thanks!
 

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If I remember correctly, the convention for flow of current would be the direction in which a positive charge would travel if placed at that point. So the field would be to the left and the current would be downwards leading to the force being into the paper.
 
Yea, that's what I thought too! They must have forgotten they put an electron there...
 

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