Force on Current in a Wire: A,B,C?

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SUMMARY

The force exerted on a current-carrying wire in an external magnetic field is directly proportional to the current in the wire, the magnetic field strength, and the length of the wire. This relationship is encapsulated in the equation F = I * B * L, where F is the force, I is the current, B is the magnetic field strength, and L is the length of the wire. Therefore, the correct answer to the homework question is D, as all three factors are indeed correct. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the integral of the length in relation to the force exerted.

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  • Understanding of IB Physics concepts
  • Familiarity with the equation F = I * B * L
  • Knowledge of magnetic fields and their effects on current-carrying conductors
  • Basic calculus, specifically integration
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  • Study the Lorentz force law and its applications
  • Learn about the right-hand rule for determining force direction
  • Explore the concept of magnetic field strength and its measurement
  • Investigate the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance in circuits
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Students studying IB Physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the principles of magnetism and electric currents.

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Homework Statement


The force exerted on a current carrying wire located in an external magnetic field is directly proportional to which of the following?
a. current in the wire
b. magnetic field strength
c. length of the wire
d. answers a, b and c are all correct
e. none of the above are correct


The Attempt at a Solution


pretty sure its D. just wanted to get a second opinion. thanks.
 
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Yo man, that sounds like an IB paper 1 question.

You doing IB Physics too?
 
wakejosh, the force exerted on a current carrying wire located in an external magnetic field is given by the following expression:

62ns7sz.jpg


What does that tell you? :)
 
well, it tells me that A and B are correct, but I'm just not totally sure if C is correct, but since I don't have any options to say that A and B are correct, then I am thinking D has to be the correct answer, and that wire length is also important.
 
Good use of logic skills there!

But the integral of dl is length... so the equation does tell you about length.
 
wakejosh, the thing is when you integrate between "A" and "B", what you get is the length (of course, if both the current intensity and magnetic field don't depend on the length, you can simply extract them from the antiderivative and when you integrate, you simply get the length).
 

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