Question

In which of the following cases a straight current-carrying conductor does not experience a force?

• A. The direction of the current is perpendicular to the magnetic field.
• B. The direction of the current is parallel to the magnetic field.
• C. The angle between the conductor and the magnetic field is ${60}^{\circ }$.
• D. The angle between the conductor and the magnetic field is ${45}^{\circ }$.

Answer 1

The correct option is B The direction of the current is parallel to the magnetic field.

When a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, a force is exerted on the conductor. The direction of this force is perpendicular to both the direction of current as well as the direction of the magnetic field (Fleming's left-hand rule).

The conductor will not experience a force if the angle between the current and the magnetic field is $0^{\circ }$ or ${180}^{\circ }$, i.e., parallel. In all other cases, it experiences a force.