Exam-style question
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What is the direction of the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field?.
- A.Parallel to the magnetic field
- B.Perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the current
- C.In the same direction as the current
- D.In the opposite direction to the magnetic field
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the current
Explanation
Why this works
The direction of the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field is determined by the right-hand rule, which states that if you point your thumb in the direction of the current and your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field, the force will be in the direction your palm pushes. This means the force is perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the current.
Common mistake
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