What is the force on a wire in a magnetic field?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force on a wire carrying an electric current in a magnetic field, specifically addressing the scenarios when the wire is perpendicular to the field and when it is at a 45° angle. The subject area includes concepts from electromagnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula for magnetic force on a current-carrying wire but questions how to determine the force without knowing the length of the wire. They also express uncertainty about the approach for the second part of the question involving an angle.

Discussion Status

Some participants have acknowledged the original poster's reasoning and provided encouragement, indicating a supportive atmosphere. However, there is no explicit consensus or resolution regarding the calculations or assumptions being made.

Contextual Notes

The original poster seems to be grappling with the implications of the problem statement, particularly regarding the relationship between force, current, magnetic field strength, and the length of the wire. There is a hint that the question itself may provide additional context or clues.

-_-'
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Question: 1. a) what is the force per meter on a wire carrying a 9.80-A current when perpendicular to a 0.80-T magnetic field? b) What if the angle between the wire and the field is 45°?

For part a) I know that F = ILB, where I is the current, L is the length of the wire and B is the size of the magnetic field.

Therefore F = 9.80 x L x 0.80
= 7.84 x L

But how can you work out the force when you don’t know what L is?

For part b) I know that F = ILB sin θ

I’m not sure how to approach the problem other than what I have expressed. Any help you can offer will be great...thanks :D
 
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-_-' said:
Question: 1. a) what is the force per meter on a wire carrying a 9.80-A current when perpendicular to a 0.80-T magnetic field? b) What if the angle between the wire and the field is 45°?

For part a) I know that F = ILB, where I is the current, L is the length of the wire and B is the size of the magnetic field.

Therefore F = 9.80 x L x 0.80
= 7.84 x L

But how can you work out the force when you don’t know what L is?
The clue is in the question :wink:
 
oh yeh! Thanks so much! :D
 
-_-' said:
oh yeh! Thanks so much! :D
My pleasure :smile:
 

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