Verified Solution Science Magnetic Effects of Electric Current

A wire of length L carrying current I is placed in a uniform magnetic field B. What is the condition for the force on the wire to be maximum?

6 views 2 helpful Updated Jul 2, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • AWire is parallel to the magnetic field.
  • BWire is perpendicular to the magnetic field.
  • CWire is at 45 degrees to the magnetic field.
  • DForce is always maximum regardless of orientation.
Explanation

The force (F) on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field is given by F = I(L x B) = I L B sin(theta), where theta is the angle between the wire and the magnetic field. Maximum force occurs when sin(theta) is 1, which means theta = 90 degrees, or the wire is perpendicular to the magnetic field.

Was this solution helpful?
2
Practice more questions on Magnetic Effects of Electric Current — download a free worksheet. Download
Not the question you're searching for? + Ask your question