How does magnetic force cause a loop to contract

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of a circular loop of wire carrying a counterclockwise current I in an external magnetic field directed out of the page. The consensus is that the magnetic force causes the loop to contract in size, which is option (B). The participants clarify that this contraction occurs due to the interaction between the magnetic field and the current, leading to a net inward force on the loop.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, specifically the Lorentz force law.
  • Familiarity with the concept of magnetic fields and their effects on current-carrying conductors.
  • Basic knowledge of circular motion and forces acting on loops.
  • Ability to visualize magnetic field lines and current direction in a plane.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Lorentz force law and its implications for current-carrying conductors.
  • Learn about the right-hand rule for determining the direction of forces in magnetic fields.
  • Explore the concept of magnetic torque and its effects on loops in magnetic fields.
  • Investigate applications of magnetic forces in devices like electric motors and generators.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electromagnetism and their practical applications in technology.

doublea500
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement




1. There is a counterclockwise current I in a circular loop of wire situated in an external magnetic field directed out of the page as shown above. The effect of the forces that act on this current is to make the loop
(A) expand in size (B) contract in size (C) rotate about an axis perpendicular to the page
(D) rotate about an axis in the plane of the page (E) accelerate into the page


Homework Equations



none really, there is but this is more of a visual question.

The Attempt at a Solution



i did not know.

answer is b, contract in size

How does the magnetic force cause contracting, just doesn't make sense to me
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi,

What is your problem exactly? Why would it be impossible in first place?
 

Similar threads

Induced current and force on circular loop in varying magnetic field
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
What is the net force on the current loop?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
What is the induced magnetic force on this closed current loop?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Understanding work in translation and rotation of a magnetic dipole
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Torque on a Circular Current Loop under a Misaligned Magnetic Field
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Magnetic field affecting a circular loop
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Can the Magnetic Field Be Determined Using Biot-Savart Law Superposition?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Understanding Torque in a Magnetic Field with Loop
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
5K
Force on rectangular loop by a current in a long straight wire
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
How does an eddy current brake work exactly?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K