How Does Current Direction Affect Force in a Rectangular Loop?

[ahazen]

A rectanglular loop consists of 5 turns of wire carrying a current of 2.8 A. The loop is in the x-y plane, and the direction of flow of the current is shown in the figure. The loop has dimensions a = 4 cm and b = 5 cm. Consider a uniform magnetic field of strength 3.8 × 10-4 T in x, y, or z directions.

I need to find the:
-Fa on x-axis
-Fb on y-axis
-Fa on z-axis
-Fb on z-axis

For the X-axis, I found that torque is 1.064e-5 and Fb=0
For the y-axis, I found the torque is 1.064e-5 and Fa=0
I also found that the torque for z-axis is 0.

But, how do I find the other Fa and Fb?
I am given: F=I*L*B sin(theta)

 

[alphysicist]

Hi ahazen,

A rectanglular loop consists of 5 turns of wire carrying a current of 2.8 A. The loop is in the x-y plane, and the direction of flow of the current is shown in the figure. The loop has dimensions a = 4 cm and b = 5 cm. Consider a uniform magnetic field of strength 3.8 × 10-4 T in x, y, or z directions.

I need to find the:
-Fa on x-axis
-Fb on y-axis
-Fa on z-axis
-Fb on z-axis

For the X-axis, I found that torque is 1.064e-5 and Fb=0
For the y-axis, I found the torque is 1.064e-5 and Fa=0
I also found that the torque for z-axis is 0.

But, how do I find the other Fa and Fb?
I am given: F=I*L*B sin(theta)

By Fa, I assume you mean the magnitude of the magnetic force on side a due to the magnetic field, right? If so, then you have the formula; if you plug in your values (all you have to determine here is what theta is) what do you get?

 

[ahazen]

yes, that's correct:) I'm still trying to work on the problem. Something is not working right when I plug the values in.

 

[alphysicist]

yes, that's correct:) I'm still trying to work on the problem. Something is not working right when I plug the values in.

You seem to have the right formula; if you post the values you are plugging in and the result you get, I or someone else can try to verify it.