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

The wire is carrying a current I in the positive x direction on one side and the negative x direction on the other side. Using the right-hand rule, we can determine the direction of the magnetic field to be in the positive z direction at both ends of the wire. However, the forces on each side of the wire cancel out due to symmetry, resulting in a net force of zero.

A Straight Wire Is Bent into the Shape Shown