Name _______________________ Score ____ / 20 Date _____________

AP Physics – Worksheet #6: Chapter 21

Forces due to Magnetic Fields

Purpose: To develop a conceptual understanding of the force on charges and current carrying
wires due to magnetic fields. F = q v B sin θ , F = I ℓ B sin θ . To practice using the right hand
rule.

1. A uniform magnetic field of B = 0.5 T is directed as shown. Calculate the force on a proton
moving in the direction shown in each figure. Draw the direction of the force and determine
its magnitude.
a. B is to the right, and v is upward:

B = 0.5T

v = 2×105 m/s

b. B is to the right, and v is into the paper:

B = 0.5T

v = 2×105 m/s

c. B is to the right, and v is at a 45° angle:

B = 0.5T

v = 2×105 m/s

d. B is into the paper, and v is to the right:

B = 0.5 T

v = 2×105 m/s

e. B is out of the paper, and v is at a 45° angle:

B = 0.5 T

v = 2×105 m/s
2. Repeat the answers to problem 1, above if the charged particle is an electron. Draw the
direction of the magnetic field, velocity, and force for each part.
a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

3. Given a current of 2.0 A flowing through a wire of length 0.5 m, moving through a
uniform magnetic field of 0.75 T as shown, determine the force acting upon the wire:
a. B is to the right, I is upward:

B = 0.75 T

I = 2.0 A

b. B is out of the paper, I is to the right:

B = 0.75 T

I = 2.0 A
3.
a) What is the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field at the center of a circular loop of
wire that has a radius of 8 cm. The loop lies in a horizontal plane and has 100 turns and the 40 A
current flows clockwise as viewed from above.

b) What is the magnitude of the magnetic field at a distance of 4.0 cm from a long straight wire
that carries a current of 20 A?

c) A solenoid carries a current of 8 A. This solenoid has 500 turns and is 125 cm long. What is
the magnitude of the magnetic field inside this solenoid?

d) What is the magnitude of the force on a 2 m length of a long wire when it carries a current of
20 A and is 10 cm from a second parallel wire long straight wire that carries a current of 30 A? If
the currents flow in opposite directions what is the direction of the force?