Physics · Grades 11–12
Force on a perpendicular current-carrying wire
The straight active wire length is perpendicular to the uniform magnetic field.
Rule and assumptions
The straight active wire length is perpendicular to the uniform magnetic field.
F = BIL
Worked examples
A 21 cm straight wire carries 5 A perpendicular to a uniform field of 1.9 T. Find magnetic force magnitude. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in N.
F = BIL 1.9 × 5 × (21/100) = 1.995
1.995 N
A 27 cm straight wire carries 6 A perpendicular to a uniform field of 1.4 T. Find magnetic force magnitude. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in N.
F = BIL 1.4 × 6 × (27/100) = 2.268
2.268 N
Try two questions
A 36 cm straight wire carries 6 A perpendicular to a uniform field of 0.3 T. Find magnetic force magnitude. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in N.
A 26 cm straight wire carries 9 A perpendicular to a uniform field of 0.3 T. Find magnetic force magnitude. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in N.
Answers and reasoning
Answers and marking notes
- 0.648 N
F = BIL 0.3 × 6 × (36/100) = 0.648
- 0.702 N
F = BIL 0.3 × 9 × (26/100) = 0.702
Further reading and review references
These are reference links, not copied exercises, institutional endorsement or proof of independent review.
Learning preview · independent educational and translation review required. Suggested grades are not official curriculum alignment.