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 bent into a U shape with two parallel segments, one pointing in the positive z direction and the other pointing in the negative z direction. The magnetic field is also pointing in the positive z direction. By applying the right-hand rule, it can be seen that the magnetic force on the positive z segment is in the negative y direction, whereas the magnetic force on the negative z segment is in the positive y direction. Therefore, the two forces cancel each other out, and the net magnetic force on the wire is zero.

A Straight Wire Is Bent into the Shape Shown