hi

thank you for your help:

i have a question that deals with finding the direction and magnitude of the net magnetic force on a loop that is next to a wire (the loop is in the wire's magnetic field)

how do i set up a question like this? do i have to integrate since the far side of the loop is not the same distance from the wire as the nearer side of the loop is?

ALSo, do you ignore certain parts of the loop that are not parallel or perpendicular or something??

Thank you very much--- i find physics very confusing

Hi! I'm here to help you with your question about finding the direction and magnitude of the net magnetic force on a loop next to a wire.

To set up the problem, you need to consider the magnetic field created by the wire and how it interacts with the loop. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Determine the magnetic field at the location of the loop: The magnetic field created by a long straight wire can be calculated using Ampere's Law or the Biot-Savart Law, depending on the situation. Once you have the equation for the magnetic field, calculate its value at the location of the loop.

2. Determine the direction of the magnetic field: The direction of the magnetic field is determined by the right-hand rule. Imagine grasping the wire with your right hand such that your thumb points in the direction of the electric current flowing through the wire. Your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic field.

3. Analyze the loop: The loop will experience a magnetic force due to the magnetic field. This force depends on the current flowing through the loop and its orientation with respect to the magnetic field.

4. Calculate the force on different sections of the loop: The force on each individual section of the loop can be determined using the equation F = I * l * B * sin(theta), where F is the force, I is the current, l is the length of the section, B is the magnetic field, and theta is the angle between the magnetic field and the section of the loop.

5. Determine the net force: To find the net magnetic force on the loop, you need to consider the forces on all sections of the loop and add them as vectors. The net force will have both magnitude and direction.

Regarding your second question, it is important to consider only those parts of the loop that are parallel or perpendicular to the magnetic field for calculating the force using the equation mentioned above. If a section of the loop is at an angle to the magnetic field, you need to calculate the component of the force along the direction of that section.

Physics can indeed be confusing at times, but breaking down the problem step by step and understanding the underlying principles can help make it easier to comprehend.