The diagram shows a negative charge moving in a magnetic field.

Parallel vectors evenly spaced labeled B. There is a circle labeled v.
In which direction is the magnetic force acting on the charge?

right
left
into the screen
out of the screen

1 answer

To determine the direction of the magnetic force acting on a negative charge moving in a magnetic field, we'll use the right-hand rule. However, since the charge is negative, we need to adjust our interpretation accordingly.

  1. Direction of velocity (v): Point your thumb in the direction of the velocity of the charge. Since you mentioned a circle labeled 'v', this appears to indicate the charge is moving in a circular path.

  2. Direction of the magnetic field (B): Point your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field. From your description, it sounds like the magnetic field vectors are parallel and evenly spaced, which indicates a uniform magnetic field.

  3. Left-Hand Rule for Negative Charge: Since the charge is negative, we can use the left-hand rule instead of the right-hand rule. Point your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field (B) and your thumb in the direction opposite to the velocity (since it's a negative charge).

Now, based on how you've described the vectors:

  • If the negative charge moves to the right and the magnetic field points upwards, by applying the left-hand rule, your fingers would point up, your thumb would point left (the opposite of where the charge would normally go if it were positive).

From there, the palm of your hand (representing the force) would extend out of the screen.

Without specific directional information regarding the charge and the magnetic field, the most general answer based on the common setup is that the magnetic force acting on the negative charge would typically be out of the screen.

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