B Force Exerted on a Conductor by a Homogeneous Magnetic Field

AI Thread Summary
A conductor in a homogeneous magnetic field experiences motion due to the Lorentz force, which acts uniformly on both sides of the conductor. The discussion questions the textbook's explanation that suggests a difference in magnetic field strength creates the force, arguing that this interpretation is misleading. Instead, the Lorentz force, determined by the right-hand rule, should be the primary factor in the conductor's movement. The idea of magnetic field lines and their density is presented as a secondary interpretation of the Lorentz force. Ultimately, the motion of the conductor is fundamentally due to the Lorentz force rather than a differential in magnetic field strength.
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In my book it's said that a conductor in a homogeneous magnetic field moves because there is a stronger magnetic field on one side and a weaker magnetic field on the other. Now that seems wrong to me. I mean, if we were to look at the Lorentz force that the magnetic field exerts on the conductor, it should point in the same direction anyway (right hand rule; both sides). The way they say it, it's like "because of the difference in magnetic field/induction we get a force". So, is it because of the Lorentz force or the difference in magnetic field?

Thanks in advance.
 
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I think the textbook shows an interpretation of Lorentz force by magnetic field lines, i.e. vortex made by current around the wire should pushed away from dense to less dense side.
 
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