A vertical wire carries a current straight up in a region where the magnetic field vector points toward the north. What is the direction of the magnetic force on this wire?
A) downward
B) toward the north
C) toward the east
D) toward the west
E) upward
F) toward the south

Question

A vertical wire carries a current straight up in a region where the magnetic field vector points toward the north. What is the direction of the magnetic force on this wire?
A) downward
B) toward the north
C) toward the east
D) toward the west
E) upward 
F) toward the south

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The direction of the magnetic force on a current-carrying wire can be determined by the right-hand rule. If the thumb of the right hand points in the direction of the current (up), and the fingers curl in the direction of the magnetic field (north), then the palm of the hand (i.e. the direction of the force) points toward the west. Therefore, the correct answer is D) toward the west.

A Vertical Wire Carries a Current Straight Up in a Region