E&M Current Carrying Loop in B-field.

[physman88]

Homework Statement

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.

Homework Equations

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.

 

[gabbagabbahey]

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.

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

 

[physman88]

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