FIGURE 22-3
-A rectangular coil, with corners labeled ABCD, of length L and width w is placed in a magnetic field B as shown in Figure 22-3. If there is a current I flowing through this coil, what is the direction of the force acting on section AB 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) none

Question

FIGURE 22-3 
-A rectangular coil, with corners labeled ABCD, of length L and width w is placed in a magnetic field B as shown in Figure 22-3. If there is a current I flowing through this coil, what is the direction of the force acting on section AB 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) none

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field is given by the Lorentz force equation:$$F = I L B \sin 	heta$$where:* F is the force on the wire* I is the current flowing through the wire* L is the length of the wire in the magnetic field* B is the strength of the magnetic field* θ is the angle between the wire and the magnetic fieldIn this case, the current is flowing through the wire in the direction from A to B, and the magnetic field is pointing into the page. Therefore, the force on the wire will be perpendicular to the wire and into the page.

FIGURE 22-3 -A Rectangular Coil, with Corners Labeled ABCD, of Length L