Finding the magnitude of the force and direction.

[jimmyboykun]

Homework Statement

A long wire carrying 6.50A of current makes two bends. The bent part of the wire passes through a uniform 0.280T magnetic field directed as shown in the figure and confined to a limited region of space.
Part A: Find the magnitude of the force that the magnetic field exerts on the wire.
Part B: Find the direction of the force that the magnetic field exerts on the wire.

here is the link for the figure. http://s16.postimg.org/li2tzpa4l/yg_20_92.jpg

Homework Equations

F=IlB

The Attempt at a Solution

I= 6.50A, B= 0.280T, and l=0.8m(I did the Pythagorean theorem to find the lenght)

F=(6.50A)(0.8m)(0.280T)

F= 1.456N.

I found the force, but I got the answer wrong. Can someone explain where did I go wrong? I'm confuse with this problem.

 

[SammyS]

Homework Statement

A long wire carrying 6.50A of current makes two bends. The bent part of the wire passes through a uniform 0.280T magnetic field directed as shown in the figure and confined to a limited region of space.
Part A: Find the magnitude of the force that the magnetic field exerts on the wire.
Part B: Find the direction of the force that the magnetic field exerts on the wire.

here is the link for the figure. http://s16.postimg.org/li2tzpa4l/yg_20_92.jpg

Homework Equations

F=IlB

The Attempt at a Solution

I= 6.50A, B= 0.280T, and l=0.8m(I did the Pythagorean theorem to find the lenght)

F=(6.50A)(0.8m)(0.280T)

F= 1.456N.

I found the force, but I got the answer wrong. Can someone explain where did I go wrong? I'm confuse with this problem.

The length you have is wrong.

80 cm of wire is at a 30° angle to the "horizontal", but there is also some length that is "horizontal" .

Furthermore, the force vectors from those two (or three) segments are not in the same direction.

 

[jimmyboykun]

ok so I think I figured out how to approach this problem. Thanks