A straight wire of length L carries a current I in the positive z direction in a region where the magnetic field is uniform and specified by Bx = 3B, By = −2B, and Bz = B, where B is a constant. What is the magnitude of the magnetic force on the wire?
A)3.2 ILB
B)5.0 ILB
C)4.2 ILB
D)3.6 ILB
E)1.0 ILB

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnetic force on a current-carrying wire is given by the equation F = IL x B, where I is the current, L is the length of the wire, and B is the magnetic field. In this case, the current is in the positive z direction, and the magnetic field is uniform and specified by Bx = 3B, By = −2B, and Bz = B. Therefore, the magnetic force on the wire is:F = IL x B = IL(î3B - ĵ2B + k̂B) = IL(3B î - 2B ĵ + B k̂)The magnitude of the magnetic force is:|F| = sqrt((3B)^2 + (-2B)^2 + B^2) = sqrt(14B^2) = 3.6 ILBTherefore, the correct answer is D) 3.6 ILB.

A Straight Wire of Length L Carries a Current I