# Homework Help: E&M Current Carrying Loop in B-field.

1. Mar 9, 2009

### physman88

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Suppose that the magnetic field in some region has the form B=kz$$\hat{x}$$ (k constant). Find the force on a square loop (side a) , lying in the yz plane and centered at origin if it carries current I flowing counterclockwise, when you look down the x-axis.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

I understand how to work out the math, its just that "look down the x-axis" tidbit at the end. when it says you're looking DOWN the x-axis, does that mean standing on the negative end looking down the positive, or vice-versa, cause that's quite important for the problem.

2. Mar 9, 2009

### gabbagabbahey

It means that if you were standing at x=+infinity and looking towards the origin, you'd see the current going counterclockwise.

3. Mar 9, 2009

### physman88

Thanks!!! That's what my "gut feeling" told me, but it seemed odd for some reason