How Does Magnetic Force Affect the Direction of a Wire in a Magnetic Field?

AI Thread Summary
A vertical wire in a magnetic field of 2.0 T carries a current of 4.0 A, raising questions about the direction of the magnetic force acting on it. The Right Hand Rule is essential for determining the force's direction, as it involves the current's direction and the magnetic field's orientation. The equation F=ILBsin(theta) is used to calculate the force's magnitude but does not directly indicate direction without applying the Right Hand Rule. Participants in the discussion emphasize the need for a diagram to clarify the situation further. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurately predicting the wire's movement in the magnetic field.
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Homework Statement


A long, straight, vertical segment of wire traverses a magnetic field of magnitude 2.0 T in the direction shown in the diagram. The length of the wire that lies in the magnetic field is 0.060 m. When the switch is closed, a current of 4.0 A flows through the wire from point P to point Q.
Which one of the following statements concerning the effect of the magnetic force on the wire is true?

The wire will have no net force acting on it.
The wire will be pushed to the right.
The wire will be pushed downward, into the plane of the paper.
The wire will be pushed upward, out of the plane of the paper.
The wire will be pushed to the left.

Homework Equations


How is the wire being pushed?? Should I use the Right Hand Rule? If so, what does it tell me about how the wire is being pushed?

The Attempt at a Solution


I used the equation F=ILBsin(theta) but it don't understand how these values tell me about the direction.
 
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Well the equation you're using is for the magnitude of the force vector, which is found with a cross product, so yes you use the right hand rule but also the proper equation

You would also have to post the diagram for us to be more helpful
 
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