A straight wire is bent into the shape shown. Determine the net magnetic force on the wire.
A) Zero
B) IBL in the +z direction
C) IBL in the −z direction
D) 1.7 IBL in the +z direction
E) 1.4 IBL in the −z direction

Question

A straight wire is bent into the shape shown. Determine the net magnetic force on the wire. 
A) Zero 
B) IBL in the +z direction 
C) IBL in the −z direction 
D) 1.7 IBL in the +z direction 
E) 1.4 IBL in the −z direction

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the wire is bent into a straight line, the magnetic forces on each segment cancel out due to symmetry. Therefore, the net magnetic force on the wire is zero.

A Straight Wire Is Bent into the Shape Shown