Question

a long wire carries a current toward the south in a magnetic field that is directed vertically downward, perpendicular to the surface of earth. what is the direction of the magnetic force on the wire? upward downward south east west north

Explanation:

Step1: Apply right - hand rule

The right - hand rule for the magnetic force on a current - carrying wire in a magnetic field states that if you point your right - hand fingers in the direction of the current and curl them towards the direction of the magnetic field, your thumb will point in the direction of the magnetic force. The current is towards the south and the magnetic field is vertically downward.

Step2: Determine the force direction

When you point your fingers of the right hand towards the south and curl them downward (towards the direction of the magnetic field), your thumb points to the west.

Answer:

west