A rectangular coil, with corners labeled ABCD, has length L and width w. It is placed between the poles of a magnet, as shown in the figure. If there is a current I flowing through this coil in the direction shown, what is the direction of the force acting on section CD of this coil?
A) perpendicular to and into the page
B) perpendicular to and out of the page
C) in the direction of the magnetic field
D) in the opposite direction of the magnetic field
E) The force is zero.

Question

A rectangular coil, with corners labeled ABCD, has length L and width w. It is placed between the poles of a magnet, as shown in the figure. If there is a current I flowing through this coil in the direction shown, what is the direction of the force acting on section CD of this coil? 
A) perpendicular to and into the page 
B) perpendicular to and out of the page 
C) in the direction of the magnetic field 
D) in the opposite direction of the magnetic field 
E) The force is zero.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the right-hand rule, if the current is flowing in the direction shown, the section CD of the coil will experience a force perpendicular to both the direction of the current and the magnetic field, which is into the page. Therefore, the correct answer is (B) perpendicular to and out of the page.

A Rectangular Coil, with Corners Labeled ABCD, Has Length L