Question

A long, straight, horizontal wire located on the equator carries a current (conventional) toward the west. What is the direction of the force on the wire due to the Earth’s magnetic field?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation: To determine the direction of force, use Right Hand Rule:

Thumb is directed to the current. In this case, to the left;

Palm of the hand towards magnetic field. In this case, since it is Earth's magnetic field, it is pointing towards south;

Then, fingers are in the direction of Force, which is downward.

In conclusion, Force on the wire is directed Downward.