The magnetic force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field is the strongest when
A) the current is perpendicular to the magnetic field lines.
B) the current is in the direction of the magnetic field lines.
C) the current is at a 180° angle with respect to the magnetic field lines.
D) the current is at a 0° angle with respect to the magnetic field lines.
E) the current is in the direction opposite to the magnetic field lines.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnetic force on a current-carrying wire is given by the Lorentz force law, which states that the force is maximum when the current direction is perpendicular to the magnetic field lines. This is because the force is proportional to the sine of the angle between the current direction and the magnetic field, reaching its maximum value when this angle is 90° (or perpendicular).

The Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Wire in a Magnetic