What is the direction of the resulting force on this current

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the direction of the resulting force on a vertical wire carrying a current upward in a magnetic field directed north. Utilizing the Right-Hand Rule (RHR), the force direction is established as west when the thumb points in the direction of the current and the fingers align with the magnetic field. The magnetic field is confirmed to be perpendicular to the current, resulting in a force that is directed to the left (west). This conclusion is supported by the application of the RHR, which is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Right-Hand Rule (RHR) for magnetic forces
  • Basic knowledge of magnetic fields and current direction
  • Familiarity with vector representation of forces
  • Concept of magnetic force on a current-carrying conductor
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Right-Hand Rule in detail for various configurations of current and magnetic fields
  • Explore the Lorentz force equation and its applications in electromagnetism
  • Investigate the effects of different magnetic field orientations on current-carrying wires
  • Learn about the applications of magnetic forces in electric motors and generators
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electromagnetism and the behavior of current in magnetic fields.

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Homework Statement


A vertical wire carries a current straight up in a region where the magnetic field vector points due north. What is the direction of the resulting force on this current?

The diagram shows a force arrow perpendicular to the B (magnetic field arrow). The magnetic field is pointing out of the page.

Homework Equations



RHR
Fingers - pt I
Palm - magnetic field
Thumb- direction of force

The Attempt at a Solution


When I place my thumb in the direction of the arrow marked "F", it goes to the left (west) but I am having trouble lining every component of the RHR up.

http://www.stowe.k12.vt.us/shs/teachers/tziegler/sg/0809/MicrosoftWord-MagnetismMultipleChoiceAnswers2011Set1and2.swf (Question 4)
 
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