What is the direction of the resulting force on this current

In summary, when a vertical wire has a current flowing straight up in a magnetic field pointing due north, the resulting force on the wire will be perpendicular to the magnetic field and in a direction determined by the right-hand rule, with the thumb pointing in the direction of the force, the fingers pointing in the direction of the current, and the palm facing the magnetic field. This can be visualized using the diagrams and resources provided in the given links.
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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)
 
Physics news on Phys.org

1. What is the direction of the resulting force on this current?

The direction of the resulting force on a current is determined by the right-hand rule. If the current is flowing in a straight wire, the thumb of your right hand should point in the direction of the current, and the direction your fingers curl represents the direction of the resulting force.

2. How does the direction of the current affect the resulting force?

The direction of the current plays a crucial role in determining the direction of the resulting force. If the current is flowing in the opposite direction, the resulting force will also be in the opposite direction.

3. What other factors can influence the direction of the resulting force on a current?

Besides the direction of the current, the direction of the magnetic field and the magnitude of the current can also impact the direction of the resulting force. The angle between the current and the magnetic field can also affect the direction of the force.

4. Can the direction of the resulting force change?

Yes, the direction of the resulting force on a current can change if any of the influencing factors, such as the direction of the current or the magnetic field, change. Additionally, if the current changes direction, the resulting force will also change direction.

5. How can understanding the direction of the resulting force on a current be useful?

Understanding the direction of the resulting force on a current is essential in many scientific fields, such as electromagnetism, electronics, and engineering. It helps in predicting the movement of charged particles, designing circuits, and creating efficient motors and generators.

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