The power cable for an electric trolley ( Figure 1 ) carries a horizontal curren

Question

The power cable for an electric trolley (Figure 1) carries a horizontal current of 330 Atoward the east. The Earth's magnetic field has a strength 5.0

The power cable for an electric trolley (Figure 1) carries a horizontal current of 330 A toward the east. The Earth's magnetic field has a strength 5.0 times 10?5T and makes an angle of dip of 21? at this location. Calculate the magnitude of the magnetic force on a 20 - m length of this cable. Find the direction of the magnetic force on the 20 - m length of this cable. The magnetic force on this cable is toward the east. toward the west. toward the north. toward the south.

Explanation / Answer

The magnitude of the force follows from
F = B I L
= 5.0 x 10^-5 T * 330 A * 20 m = 0.33 N

Using the right-hand rule, you will find that this force points in a northerly direction, the angle with the horizontal being 90 - 21 = 69 degrees.

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