Direction of the magnetic force

[Nitrate]

Homework Statement

The problem is in the attached image.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I used the third left hand rule (seen in one of the attached images) and pointed my thumb (direction of the current) downwards because the question states that the current flows from point E to point F. However, when I point my thumb downwards I seem to get B as the answer... and my answer key says that A is the answer. I need a bit of clarification please (a drawing might be helpful.)

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi Nitrate!

I used the third left hand rule …

No, for current, it's the right-hand rule.

(It's only the left-hand rule for electrons, because the current is defined as going the opposite way to the electrons)

 

[Nitrate]

Hi Nitrate!


No, for current, it's the right-hand rule.

(It's only the left-hand rule for electrons, because the current is defined as going the opposite way to the electrons)

My mistake. That being said, I still don't understand why A is the answer.

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi Nitrate!

… when I point my thumb downwards I seem to get B as the answer …

… I still don't understand why A is the answer.

I don't get it …

if your right thumb is down, and your fingers are pointing along the field (from N to S, ie from C to D),

then isn't your palm is pointing towards you, ie towards A ?​

 

[asteriatic]

The direction of the magnetic force can be determined using the right-hand rule. First, point your thumb in the direction of the current, which in this case is from point E to point F. Then, curl your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field, which is from left to right. The direction in which your fingers curl is the direction of the magnetic force. In this case, the magnetic force would be pointing out of the page, towards you. This aligns with answer choice A in the attached image.

It is important to note that the left-hand rule can also be used to determine the direction of the magnetic force, but it is not as commonly used as the right-hand rule. Make sure to consistently use the same hand rule to avoid confusion.