A wire in the shape of an "M" lies in the plane of the paper.It carries a current of 2.0 A,flowing from A to E,as shown in the figure.It is placed in a uniform 0.55-T $\vec { B }$ field in the same plane,directed as shown on the right side of the figure.The figure indicates the dimensions of the wire.Note that AB is parallel to DE and to the baseline from which the $\vec { B }$ field direction is measured.What are the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force exerted on section CD of this wire?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the right-hand rule, we can find the direction of the magnetic force on section CD to be out of the page. To find the magnitude, we use the equation F = ILB sinθ, where I is the current, L is the length of the wire segment, B is the magnetic field strength, and θ is the angle between the direction of the current and the magnetic field. Since section CD is perpendicular to both the direction of the current and the magnetic field, θ = 90 degrees and sinθ = 1. Plugging in the values given, we get F = (2.0 A)(0.08 m)(0.55 T)(1) = 0.066 N. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

A Wire in the Shape of an "M" Lies in the Plane