Two wires lying in the plane carry equal currents in opposite directions. If a negatively charged particle is at rest at a point midway between the wires, what is the direction of the magnetic force of the charged particle?
To determine the direction of the magnetic force on a charged particle, you can use the right-hand rule. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Extend your right hand and orient your fingers in the direction of the current flowing in the first wire.
2. Curl your fingers towards the second wire while keeping your hand flat. Notice that your thumb points in a particular direction.
3. The direction your thumb points represents the direction of the magnetic field created by the current flowing through the wires.
In this scenario, the two wires carry equal currents in opposite directions, which means their magnetic fields will also be equal in magnitude but in opposite directions. Since the negatively charged particle is at rest at a point midway between the wires, it will experience an equal and opposite magnetic force due to each wire.
Therefore, the resulting magnetic forces on the particle will be in opposite directions, exerting a net force of zero on the particle.