AP PHYSICS C: ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM Scoring Guide

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1. A charged particle can move with constant velocity through a region containing both an electric field and a
magnetic field only if the
(A) electric field is parallel to the magnetic field
(B) electric field is perpendicular to the magnetic field
(C) electric field is parallel to the velocity vector
(D) magnetic field is parallel to the velocity vector
(E) magnetic field is perpendicular to the velocity vector

2.

A proton moving to the right at constant speed u enters a region containing uniform magnetic and electric fields and
continues to move in a straight line. The magnetic field B is directed toward the top of the page, as shown above.
The direction of the electric field must be

(A) into the page

(B) out of the page
(C) to the left
(D) toward the top of the page
(E) toward the bottom of the page

3.

The figure above shows the paths of five particles as they pass through the region inside the box that contains a
uniform magnetic field B directed out of the page. Which particle has a positive charge?

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(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
(E) E

4. A negatively charged particle moves in the positive x-direction in a uniform magnetic field directed in the positive
y-direction. The particle will experience a force directed in the
(A) positive z-direction
(B) negative z-direction
(C) positive x-direction
(D) negative x-direction
(E) positive y-direction

5. A positively charged particle in a uniform magnetic field is moving in a circular path of radius r perpendicular to
the field. How much work does the magnetic force F do on the charge for half a revolution?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E) Zero

6. A positive point charge is initially at rest close to a bar magnet that is also at rest. The charge will
(A) be attracted to the north pole of the magnet
(B) be repelled by the north pole of the magnet
(C) be attracted to the south pole of the magnet
(D) be repelled by the south pole of the magnet
(E) experience no magnetic force

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7.

A positively charged particle is moving in the -direction with speed . The particle enters a region
containing uniform electric and magnetic fields. The electric field is directed in the -direction, as shown in
the figure, and has a magnitude of . Gravitational forces are negligible. Which of the following magnitudes
and directions of the magnetic field would result in a net force of zero on the particle?

Magnitude of Direction of
A
B
C
D

(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D

Answer A

Correct. The magnetic force on a particle with charge and velocity is , and

must be of equal magnitude and in the opposite direction of the electric force . In the
simplest case where and are perpendicular, equal force magnitudes require that , so
or . The direction of the electric force exerted on a positive
particle is the same as the direction of the electric field, which is in the -direction. Using the right-

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hand rule: In order for the magnetic force direction to be in the -direction on the

positive particle moving in the -direction, must be directed in the -direction.

8.

A negatively charged particle is moving toward the top of the page when it enters a region of space with a uniform
magnetic field directed to the right, as shown in the figure. In what direction does the magnetic field exert a
force on the particle immediately after the particle enters the region?
(A) To the right
(B) To the left
(C) Out of the page
(D) Into the page

Answer C

Correct. The magnetic force is . By the right-hand rule, the cross product

is directed into the plane of the figure. Multiplying by the negative charge then results in a

force in the opposite direction, out of the plane of the figure.

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9.

A negative charge –q is moving with a velocity v to the right, parallel to a wire that is carrying a current I to the
right, as shown above. The direction of the force on the charge due to the magnetic field produced by the wire is

(A) toward the top of the page

(B) toward the bottom of the page
(C) out of the page
(D) into the page
(E) toward the left

10.

A positively charged particle travels along the path shown in the figure above through region 1 and between two
parallel plates in region 2. A magnetic field exists in region 1, and one of the plates in region 2 is at a higher
potential than the other. What is the direction of the magnetic field in region 1, and which plate is at a higher
potential in region 2 ?

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Region 1 Plate at Higher Potential

(A)
Out of the page Top plate

Region 1 Plate at Higher Potential

(B)
Out of the page Bottom plate

Region 1 Plate at Higher Potential

(C)
Into the page Top plate

Region 1 Plate at Higher Potential

(D)
Into the page Bottom plate

Region 1 Plate at Higher Potential

(E)
To the right Bottom plate

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11.

A charged particle of mass and charge is injected into a region of uniform magnetic field, directed into the
page as shown above. The speed of the particle as it enters the field is , and it travels in a circular path of radius
. A second particle of mass , charge , and speed is then injected into the field. It moves in a circular path
of radius . Which of the following represents the correct relationship between and ?
(A)
(B)

(C)
(D)
(E)

Answer C

Correct. The net force is given by . The magnitude of the magnetic force is given by
. The net force is the magnetic force, so . Since and for the second particle
are the same as for the first particle, the right side of the equation is the same for both particles. Then the
equation remains correct for the second particle with twice the mass of the first particle only if the radius
of its path is twice the radius of the path of the first particle.

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12.

Scientists set up an experiment as shown above. Charged particles of mass and charge are emitted from a
source and initially move with a constant velocity, . The scientists wish to temporarily confine the particles in a
uniform magnetic field, . The region of the magnetic field has a horizontal range . To confine the particles, the
scientists switch on the magnetic field at the moment when the particles reach the center of its horizontal range.
Which of the following is a correct prediction of the results of the experiment?
(A) If the scientists set , then the particle will be confined to the field.

(B) If the scientists set , then the particle will not be confined to the field.

(C) If the scientists set , then the particle will be confined to the field.

(D) If the scientists set , then the particle will be confined to the field.

(E) If the scientists set , then the particle will be confined to the field.

Answer A

Correct. The magnetic force on the particle while in the region of the magnetic field is perpendicular to
the velocity of the particle, confining it to a circular path. The net force is given by . The
magnitude of the magnetic force is given by . Since the net force is the magnetic force,
. The maximum allowed radius to keep the particle within the magnetic field is .
Substituting into the above equation yields to confine the particle to the magnetic
field.

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13.

A sheet of copper in the plane of the page is connected to a battery as shown above, causing electrons to drift
through the copper toward the bottom of the page. The copper sheet is in a magnetic field B directed into the page.
P1 and P2 are points at the edges of the strip. Which of the following statements is true?
(A) P1 is at a higher potential than P2.
(B) P2 is at a higher potential than P1.
(C) P1 and P2 are at equal positive potential.
(D) P1 and P2 are at equal negative potential.
(E) Current will cease to flow in the copper sheet.

14.

Students want to find the direction of a uniform magnetic field in their experimental setup. They direct electrons
from the left side of the page into the setup and observe that the path of the electrons curves toward the top of the
page, as shown above. Which is the correct prediction for the direction of the magnetic field in this region?
(A) Into the page
(B) Out of the page
(C) Toward the top of the page
(D) Toward the bottom of the page
(E) Toward the left side of the page

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Answer B

Correct. The magnetic force is observed to point toward the top of the page, and the velocity points
toward the right side of the page. Using the right-hand rule for the force on a moving charged particle,
the magnetic field is directed out of the page.

15.

A positively charged particle is moving with speed to the right in the plane of the page, as shown. The wire carries
a current directed toward the right, as shown. Which of the following indicates the direction of the magnetic force
on the particle due to the current?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E) The direction is undefined, because no magnetic force is exerted on the moving particle.

Answer B

Correct. The magnetic field produced by the current is out of the page at the location of the particle

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of charge moving to the right at velocity . The right-hand rule for the magnetic force indicates that
the force exerted on the particle must be down.

An electron is placed near a wire carrying current I, as shown in the figure above, and released from rest. Both the
electron and the wire are in the plane of the page.

16. Which of the following is true about the direction of the initial magnetic force acting on the electron due to the
current in the wire?
(A) It is toward the top of the page.
(B) It is toward the bottom of the page.
(C) It is out of the page.
(D) It is into the page.
(E) It has no direction because the magnitude of the initial magnetic force on the electron is zero.

17. Which of the following is true about the direction of the magnetic field produced by the current at the position of the
electron?
(A) It is toward the top of the page.
(B) It is toward the bottom of the page.
(C) It is out of the page.
(D) It is into the page.
(E) It has no direction since there is no magnetic field at that point.

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18.

A positively charged particle moves in the positive x-direction in a uniform magnetic field directed in the positive
y-direction. The net force on the particle could be zero if there is also an electric field present in the
(A) positive z-direction
(B) negative z-direction
(C) positive x-direction
(D) negative x-direction
(E) negative y-direction

19.

An electron is emitted from a metal plate with an initial nonzero kinetic energy . The electron is accelerated to
the right by a variable voltage and then deflected by a magnetic field through a circular arc of radius as
shown in the figure. The potential difference that needs to be applied for the electron to be deflected through
a circular path of radius is

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

Answer B

Correct. According to Newton’s second law , for circular motion of an electron in a

magnetic field, . Also, according to the work-energy theorem,
, indicating the potential difference that needs to be
applied is .

20.

A horizontal electron beam in an oscilloscope is aimed at the center of the display screen, as shown in the diagram
above. A C-shaped magnet is placed around the oscilloscope, producing a vertical magnetic field B, which is
perpendicular to the beam. Which way, if any, will the beam be deflected by the magnetic field?
(A) Toward point a
(B) Toward point b
(C) Toward point c
(D) Toward point d
(E) The beam will not be deflected.

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21.

The figure shows a uniform magnetic field, , directed into the page. At the instant shown, an electron of mass
is moving with velocity perpendicular to the field, toward the top of the page. As a result of this motion, the
electron moves in a circular path. Which of the following gives an expression for the radius of the path and the
direction of circular motion?

(A) The radius is and the direction is clockwise.

(B) The radius is and the direction is counterclockwise.

(C) The radius is and the direction is clockwise.

(D) The radius is and the direction is counterclockwise.

(E) The radius is and the direction is counterclockwise.

Answer A

Correct. An electron of mass moving with velocity perpendicular to the magnetic field (into the
page) experiences magnetic force (to the right in the figure). Due to this magnetic force, the electron
moves in a circular path with a radius . Because the
direction of the magnetic force exerted on the electron is to the right, the direction of the circular motion
is clockwise.

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A uniform magnetic field B directed downward parallel to the plane of the page exists in the shaded region shown above.
An electron can enter the field from different directions.

22. Suppose that the electron is moving straight down in the same direction as B when it enters the region of the
magnetic field. What is the direction of the magnetic force, if any, on the electron when it first enters the field
region?
(A) Toward the bottom of the page
(B) Toward the top of the page
(C) To the left
(D) To the right
(E) None; there is no magnetic force on the electron.

23. Suppose that the electron is moving perpendicularly into the plane of the page when it enters the region of the
magnetic field. What is the direction of the magnetic force, if any, on the electron when it first enters the field
region?
(A) Toward the bottom of the page
(B) Toward the top of the page
(C) To the left
(D) To the right
(E) None; there is no magnetic force on the electron

24.

Uniform magnetic and electric fields exist between the two oppositely charged parallel plates shown in the figure
above. An electron travels horizontally between the plates. Assuming gravitational effects to be negligible, which of
the following diagrams shows a combination of electric and magnetic field directions that will allow the electron to
travel undeflected?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

25.

An electron travels through a uniform magnetic field directed to the right. The electron’s velocity is directed
out of the page, as shown in the figure above. The direction of the force on the electron due to the magnetic field at
the instant shown is

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(A) toward the top of the page

(B) toward the bottom of the page
(C) to the left
(D) to the right
(E) into the page

26.

A bar magnet and a wire loop carrying current I are arranged as shown above. In which direction, if any, is the force
on the current loop due to the magnet?

(A) Toward the magnet

(B) Away from the magnet
(C) Toward the top of the page
(D) Toward the bottom of the page
(E) There is no force on the current loop.

A particle of electric charge +Q and mass m initially moves along a straight line in the plane of the page with constant
speed v, as shown above. The particle enters a uniform magnetic field of magnitude B directed out of the page and moves
in a semicircular arc of radius R.

27.
Which of the following best indicates the magnitude and the direction of the magnetic force on the charge just
after the charge enters the magnetic field?

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Magnitude:
(A)
Direction: Toward the top of the page
Magnitude:
(B)
Direction: Toward the bottom of the page
Magnitude: QvB
(C)
Direction: Out of the plane of the page
Magnitude: QvB
(D)
Direction: Toward the top of the page
Magnitude: QvB
(E)
Direction: Toward the bottom of the page

28.

A coaxial cable consists of a cylindrical wire inside of a cylindrical shell of wire. The inner wire has a current
directed into the page, and the outer wire has a current out of the page. An electron has a velocity directed into the
page, as shown in the figure above. What is the direction of the magnetic force exerted on the electron?
(A) Toward the left side of the page
(B) Toward the right side of the page
(C) Toward the bottom of the page
There is no magnetic force on the electron because the magnetic field in the region between the inner
(D)
and outer wires is parallel to the velocity.
There is no magnetic force on the electron because there is no magnetic field in the region between the
(E)
inner and the outer wires.

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Answer B

Correct. According to Ampere’s law, only the current from the center wire is considered in determining
the magnetic field at the position of the electron. According to the right-hand rule for the direction of the
magnetic field, the current in the cylindrical wire is into the page; therefore, the magnetic field at the
position of the electron must be toward the bottom of the page. According to the right-hand rule for the
direction of the magnetic force, the force on a positive charge traveling into the page at a position where
the magnetic field is down must experience a force that is to the left. However, the electron is negative;
thus, it experiences a force to the right.

29. If a permanent magnet is broken in half it forms permanent magnets, each with a north and a south pole. Which of
the following justifies this observation?
(A) Magnetic field lines must form closed loops.
(B) Magnetic fields are caused by moving charged particles.
(C) Magnetic fields are caused by accelerating charged particles.
(D) Magnetic field lines start on a north pole and either end on a south pole or end at infinity.

Answer A

Correct. According to Gauss’s law for magnetic fields, all magnetic field lines must form closed loops. A
magnetic object will have a north pole at the end with the field leaving the object and a south pole at the
end with the field entering the object.

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30.

The bar magnet shown has three Gaussian surfaces drawn, each enclosing a different part of the bar magnet.
Through which Gaussian surface is the magnetic flux the greatest, if any?
(A) Surface
(B) Surface
(C) Surface
(D) It is the same through all three surfaces

Answer D

Correct. Gauss’s law for magnetism states that the closed surface integral is always equal to zero for any
Gaussian surface.

31.

The image shown represents a permanent bar magnet. Which way do the magnetic field lines point within the body
of the bar magnet, and why?
The lines point from north to south because the north end of a magnet is always the source of magnetic
(A)
field lines.
The lines point from north to south within the magnet to be consistent with the direction in which they
(B)
point outside of the magnet.
The lines point from south to north because that is the direction in which current is directed within the
(C)
bar magnet.
The lines point from south to north because they form closed loops when combined with the lines
(D)
outside of the body of the magnet.

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Answer D

Correct. Magnetic field lines always form closed loops. Because the end of the magnet from which the
lines emerge is the north pole, they must re-enter the magnet at the south pole, and then return to the
north pole within the magnet to complete the loops.

32.

A positively charged particle is moving near a bar magnet, as shown. When the particle is at Point , what is the
direction of the magnetic field produced by the magnet at the position of the particle?
(A) Left
(B) Right
(C) Out of the page
(D) Into the page

Answer A

Correct. Magnetic fields from a bar magnet form closed loops with the external magnetic field pointing
away from one end of the bar defined as the north pole and towards the other end defined as the south
pole. Because of the symmetry of Point , the field lines are horizontal.

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33.

A permanent bar magnet has one of its ends inside a cubical surface. Which of the following is true of magnetic
field lines in this scenario?
(A) All field lines passing through the cubical surface point outward and there are none pointing inward.
The number of field lines pointing out of the cubical surface is greater than the number of field lines
(B)
pointing into the cubical surface.
The number of field lines pointing out of the cubical surface is less than the number of field lines
(C)
pointing into the cubical surface.
The number of field lines pointing out of the cubical surface is equal to the number of field lines
(D)
pointing into the cubical surface.

Answer D

Correct. Gauss’s Law for magnetism states that for any enclosed surface the net magnetic flux is zero.
This is equivalent to saying the number of field lines entering the cubical surface equals the number of
field lines exiting the cubical surface.

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34.

Side views of two arrangements of bar magnets with corresponding magnetic field lines are shown in the figures.
Which arrangement has the stronger magnetic field at Point ?
(A) Arrangement
(B) Arrangement
(C) Both are the same and nonzero
(D) Both are equal to zero

Answer A

Correct. The density of magnetic field lines is greater; therefore, the strength of the magnetic field is
greater.

35. Two dipole magnets are mounted such that they can rotate freely around their respective centers of mass. Which of
the following orientations of the two magnets is stable?
(A) Their north poles are facing each other.
(B) Their south poles are facing each other.
They are side-by-side and anti-parallel to each other, with their north and south poles facing in opposite
(C)
directions.
(D) They are aligned end to end with their north poles facing right and their south poles facing left.

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Answer D

Correct. Opposite magnetic poles attract, similar poles repel. This rotation brings opposite poles closer
together, which increases the stability.

36.

A bar magnet lies on a surface with negligible friction and is free to rotate. The magnet is brought into an external
magnetic field with its north pole oriented to the left, as shown. Which of the following is the orientation of the bar
magnet once it stops moving?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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Answer A

Correct. Dipole aligns with north pole in same direction as magnetic field.

37.

An electron of mass and charge is traveling to the right parallel to a wire with speed . The electron is a
distance from the wire. The wire is carrying a current to the right, as shown in the figure above. Which of the
following gives the magnitude and direction of the force exerted on the electron by the current-carrying wire?

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Magnitude Direction
(A)
Toward the top of the page

Magnitude Direction
(B)
Out of the page

Magnitude Direction
(C)
Into the page

Magnitude Direction
(D)
Toward the top of the page

Magnitude Direction
(E)
Out of the page

Answer A

Correct. First, the magnitude of the magnetic field , which is due to the current carrying wire, can be
determined using the Biot-Savart Law, where is the charge and is the velocity of the charge. Thus,
the magnetic field for this straight wire, where is also the perpendicular distance from the charge to the

wire, is as follows . From the Lorentz force Law, the magnitude of the magnetic

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force on a moving charge can be determined as follows . Using the right-

hand rule for the magnetic force relationship, the direction of force due to the current carrying wire,
carrying current to the right, crossed with the magnetic field that’s out of the page at any point above the
wire, is toward the bottom of the page. However, because of the way that the wire is oriented and
because of the direction of the current, the magnetic field is directed toward the top of the page.

38.

Three long wires perpendicular to the page are equidistant from each other, as shown in the cross-sectional view
above. Two wires carry current into the page, and the third carries current out of the page. All the currents are equal
in magnitude. What is the direction of the net magnetic force on wire A due to the other two wires?
(A) Into the page
(B) Toward the bottom of the page
(C) Toward the top of the page
(D) Toward the left
(E) Toward the right

39. A ferromagnetic sample of metal is held in a strong external magnetic field created by a nearby magnet for a long
time. The magnet is then moved far away from the sample. Which of the following correctly describes the
magnetization of the sample after the nearby magnet is removed, and explains why?
The sample is magnetized. The magnetic domains of the sample will become aligned with the external
(A)
field and will remain in that alignment after the sample is removed from the external field.
The sample is magnetized. Free electrons in the sample will become polarized in the presence of the
(B)
external field and will remain polarized after the sample is removed from the external field.
The sample is unmagnetized. The sample will have an equal number of magnetic dipoles aligned with
(C)
the north and south poles of the nearby magnet.
The sample is unmagnetized. After becoming aligned when the magnet was nearby, the atoms’ magnetic
(D)
dipoles in the sample return to being randomly oriented when the external field is no longer present.

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Answer A

Correct. In the presence of a strong external magnetic field, magnetic dipoles in the domains of the
sample will align with the external field. Because the sample is ferromagnetic, these domains will remain
aligned even after the external field is removed.

40. Two nails are placed in a strong, external magnetic field. One nail is made of iron and the other is made of
aluminum. After a few minutes the nails are removed from the external magnetic field and placed a large distance
away from each other. How does the new magnetic field of the iron nail compare to the magnetic field of the
aluminum nail ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Answer C

Correct. Iron is ferromagnetic, which means the domains can align and create a permanent magnetic field
when placed in an external magnetic field. Aluminum is paramagnetic which means the domains will
align when in an external magnetic field but will not remain aligned when removed from the field.

41. A particle with charge and mass is accelerated from rest though a potential difference into a region where both
a magnetic field and an electric field are present. The electric and magnetic fields are such that the particle
moves in a straight line at constant speed. What is the potential difference through which the particle was
accelerated?
(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

Answer B

Correct. The potential difference causes a change in kinetic energy according to .

To travel through the fields without deviation, the electric and magnetic forces must be equal,

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, which means the speed is given by .

42.

A positively charged particle moves with speed into the region between two parallel plates. The left plate is
positively charged and the right plate is negatively charged to produce an electric field with magnitude . A
uniform magnetic field directed into the page exists between the plates. Which of the following is a correct
equation that could be used to determine the angle relative to the horizontal of the sum of forces on the particle
immediately after it enters the region? Gravitational effects can be ignored.
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

Answer D

Correct. The magnetic force of magnitude is vertical, and the electric force of magnitude is
horizontal.

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43.

A charged particle is initially undergoing uniform circular motion in a region of space with a uniform magnetic field
of strength perpendicular to the plane of the page. The value of undergoes a nearly instantaneous change to an
increased magnitude (that is still uniform in space). The particle continues to move in the magnetic field that now
has an increased magnitude. Which of the following correctly describes the effect of the increased magnetic field
strength on the motion of the particle?
(A) The particle’s speed increases and the radius of the circle increases.
(B) The particle’s speed decreases and the radius of the circle decreases.
(C) The particle’s speed does not change and the radius of the circle increases.
(D) The particle’s speed does not change and the radius of the circle decreases.

Answer D

Correct. The increased force (due to the increased field) causes a greater acceleration and a smaller
radius. The speed is unaffected because the magnetic force is always perpendicular to the velocity of the
particle.

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44.

A positively charged particle is traveling within a capacitor, as shown. Between the plates of the capacitor, there is
an external magnetic field directed into the page. Which of the following shows a possible direction for the sum of
forces on the positively charged particle? Gravitational effects can be ignored.

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

Answer D

Correct. The magnetic force is toward the top of the page and to the left by a right-hand rule, while the
electric force is toward the bottom of the page because the electric field is pointing toward the bottom of
the page. It is possible that these vectors can be added to have a resultant directed to the left.

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45. A proton and an electron, which are very far away from each other, are traveling at the same speed when both enter
the same uniform magnetic field . Which of the following statements is correct about the paths of the two
particles?
(A) Both the proton and electron will pass through the field undeflected.
Both the proton and electron will experience the same magnitude of force parallel to their direction of
(B)
motion but in opposite directions from each other.
Both the proton and electron will experience the same magnitude of force perpendicular to their
(C)
direction of motion but in opposite directions from each other.
The proton and electron will experience different magnitudes of force in opposite directions from each
(D)
other.

Answer C

Correct. A magnetic field will exert a force on a charged particle moving within that field, with a
magnitude and direction that depends on the cross-product of the particle’s velocity and the magnetic
field: . Because those values are the same for both particles, the force will be the same
but in opposite directions because of the opposite sign on the charge.

46.

A particle with charge moves with velocity into a magnetic field directed into the page, as shown. The
experiment is repeated with a particle with twice the charge and twice the mass. What will happen to the magnetic
force on the particle and the radius of its path?

Magnetic Force Radius of Path

A Stays the same Increases
B Stays the same Stays the same
C Increases Increases
D Increases Stays the same

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(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D

Answer D

Correct. The magnitude of the force on a charged particle in a magnetic force is found by .
The only variable that is changing is , so if increases, so does the magnetic force. The radius is found
from Newton’s second law with magnetic force equal to the mass times the radial acceleration:
, . Because both the charge and the mass are doubled, the radius of the path will
stay the same.

47.

A particle of charge moves undeflected at a constant velocity through a region with a magnetic field between
two charged plates, as shown. What is the direction of the magnetic field in the region between the plates?
(A) Up, toward the top of the page
(B) Down, toward the bottom of the page
(C) Into the page
(D) Out of the page

Answer C

Correct. The electric force on the particle is toward the bottom of the page. For the sum of forces to be
zero, the magnetic force must be toward the top of the page. By a righthand rule, when the force on the

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positively charged particle is toward the top of the page, and the particle is moving to the right, the
magnetic field must be into the page.

48.

A proton moves to the right at an unknown speed. The proton enters a region containing a magnetic field of
magnitude pointing out of the page. The proton enters the region perpendicular to the boundary, as shown. If the
proton exits the field on the same side of the region containing the magnetic field, how much time does the proton
spend in the field?
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D) There is not enough information given to answer.

Answer B

Correct. The force exerted on the proton by the field is . Because the force is

always acting perpendicularly to the velocity, the result is a half-circle. Sum the forces in the radial
direction: where the velocity can be found to be the length of the half circle divided by
time: .

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49.

A negatively charged ion is moving toward the top of the page when it enters a region of space with a uniform
magnetic field directed to the right, as shown above. The direction of the force that the magnetic field exerts on
the ion is
(A) toward the top of the page
(B) to the right
(C) to the left
(D) out of the page
(E) into the page

50.

A small object with a charge of q = +3.0 µC and a mass m = 2.0 × 10–6 kg enters a magnetic field of magnitude B =
0.20 T directed into the page, as shown in the figure above. If the speed of the object is 1000 m/s, the object's
acceleration at the moment it enters the field is most nearly
(A) zero because the velocity is perpendicular to the magnetic field
(B) 300 m/s2 toward the bottom of the page
(C) 300 m/s2 toward the top of the page
(D) 600 m/s2 toward the bottom of the page
(E) 600 m/s2 toward the top of the page

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Two long, straight wires are parallel to each another and in the plane of the page. An electron is moving toward the right
midway between the wires, as shown. Each wire carries current of the same . The current in the top wire is directed
toward the right.

51. The current in the bottom wire is adjusted so that the magnetic field halfway between the wires points out of the
page. Which of the following statements best describes the motion of the electron beam?
(A) The electron beam bends toward the top wire.
(B) The electron beam bends out of the page.
(C) The electron beam continues in a straight line.
(D) The electron beam bends into the page.
(E) The electron beam bends toward the bottom wire.

Answer A

Correct. Using the right-hand rule for the magnetic force on moving charged particles, the velocity vector
points toward the right; since it is a negative charge, the vector points toward the left, and the
magnetic field is directed out of the page; thus, the force on the beam of electrons is directed toward the
top wire.

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52.

A positively charged particle moves with velocity v in the positive x-direction in a uniform magnetic field B
directed in the positive y-direction, as shown above. The particle experiences a force in what direction?

(A) Perpendicularly out of the plane of the page

(B) Perpendicularly into the plane of the page
(C) Positive x-direction
(D) Negative x-direction
(E) Positive y-direction

A particle of charge +e and mass m moves with speed v perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field B directed into the
page. The path of the particle is a circle of radius r, as shown above.

53. Which of the following correctly gives the direction of motion and the equation relating v and r ?
Direction: Clockwise
(A)
Equation: eBr = mv
Direction: Clockwise
(B)
Equation: eBr = mv2
Direction: Counterclockwise
(C)
Equation: eBr = mv
Direction: Counterclockwise
(D)
Equation: eBr = mv2
Direction: Counterclockwise
(E)
Equation: eBr2 = mv2

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54. The period of revolution of the particle is

(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)
(E)

55.

Two charged particles enter a region that contains a uniform magnetic field, . The direction of the magnetic field
is unknown. The two charged particles have charges and and masses and , respectively. The particles
enter the region of magnetic field with the same velocity. The particle with charge follows the solid path, and
the particle with charge follows the dashed path, as shown in the figure. Which of the following could represent
the relationships between the masses and charges of the two particles and provide supporting evidence?
, , as the mass increases, the centripetal force increases, and the radius of the path
(A)
will decrease.
, , as the charge increases, the magnetic force increases, and the radius of the
(B)
path will decrease.
, , as the charge increases, the magnetic force decreases, and the radius of the path
(C)
will decrease.
, , as the charge increases, the magnetic force increases, and the radius of the path
(D)
will decrease.
, , both the centripetal force and magnetic force increase, and the radius of the
(E)
path will decrease.

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An electron is traveling with speed when it enters a uniform magnetic field that is directed into the page, as shown
above. Five paths in the magnetic field are labeled , , , , and .

56. Which labeled path best shows the path the electron will follow as it travels through the magnetic field?
(A) Path
(B) Path
(C) Path
(D) Path
(E) Path

Answer D

Correct. Using the right-hand rule for the magnetic force (from the Lorentz force equation),
, the direction of velocity to the right crossed with the magnetic field perpendicular and
into the page results in a magnetic force acting on the moving charge up toward the top of the page.
However, since the charge is negative, the direction of the magnetic force acts down on the electron.
Since force is being applied to the electron as soon as it enters the field, it begins accelerating due the
relationship . Since the electron is accelerating, the path that the electron deflects down is not
linear but a curve, as shown by path .

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57.

An electron e– moving in the plane of the page is injected into a uniform magnetic field B that is perpendicular to
the page, as shown above. Upon entering the field, the electron takes a path that is
(A) straight through the field
(B) clockwise, circular, and in the plane of the page
(C) counterclockwise, circular, and in the plane of the page
(D) circular and curved out of the page
(E) circular and curved into the page

58.

A uniform magnetic field B is parallel to the xy-plane and in the +y-direction, as shown above. A proton p initially
moves with velocity v in the xy-plane at an angle ⯑ to the magnetic field and the y-axis. The proton will
subsequently follow what kind of path?

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(A) A straight-line path in the direction of v

(B) A circular path in the xy-plane
(C) A circular path in the yz-plane
(D) A helical path with its axis parallel to the y-axis
(E) A helical path with its axis parallel to the z-axis

59.

A beam of protons moves parallel to the x-axis in the positive x-direction, as shown above, through a region of
crossed electric and magnetic fields balanced for zero deflection of the beam. If the magnetic field is pointed in the
positive y-direction, in what direction must the electric field be pointed?
(A) Positive y-direction
(B) Positive z-direction
(C) Negative x-direction
(D) Negative y-direction
(E) Negative z-direction

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60.

A negatively charged particle in a uniform magnetic field B moves in a circular path of radius r, as shown above.
Which of the following graphs best depicts how the frequency of revolution 𝑓 of the particle depends on the radius r
?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

Students set up a magnetic field over their lab table. The field is directed vertically downward.

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61.

Particle 1 of charge , where , now enters the region with velocity at an angle of
to the -axis, as shown above. The magnitude and and the direction measured counterclockwise to the - axis of
the magnetic force on particle 1 is most nearly
(A) at an angle of
(B) at an angle of
(C) at an angle of
(D) at an angle of
(E) at an angle of

Answer E

Correct. Using the equation for the magnetic force on a charged particle, , since the
velocity of the particle and the magnetic field are perpendicular to each other,
. The right-hand rule
for the direction of the magnetic force indicates that the magnetic force must be perpendicular to the
velocity and at an angle of to the -axis.

62.

A small object of charge –1.0 µC that is 0.10 m above a long, straight wire moves at a speed of 0.050 m/s parallel to
the wire, as shown in the figure above. The current in the wire is 2 A. What is the magnitude and direction of the
magnetic force on the object?

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(A) 2 × 10–13 N, toward the wire

(B) 2 × 10–13 N, away from the wire
(C) 4⯑ × 10–13 N, toward the wire
(D) 4⯑ × 10–13 N, away from the wire
(E) 0, direction is undefined

63.

An experiment is set up to determine the speed of charged particles as they move through a region that is traversed
by a constant electric and a constant magnetic field. The particles are moving toward the right of the page when they
encounter the region. The electric field points toward the top of the page, and the magnetic field points out of the
page. Predict how the positively and negatively charged particles of various speeds will behave in this experiment.
Particles with speed will pass through the region with no deflection. Particles with speed
(A) will be deflected toward the bottom of the page, regardless of whether the particles are positive
or negative.
Particles with a speed would pass through the region with no deflection. Positive particles with
(B) speed would be deflected toward the bottom of the page; negative particles with speed
would be deflected toward the top of the page.
Particles with a speed would pass through the region with no deflection. Positive particles with
(C) speed would be deflected toward the top of the page; negative particles with speed
would be deflected toward the bottom of the page.
Particles with a speed would pass through the region with no deflection. Positive particles with
(D) speed would be deflected toward the top of the page; negative particles with speed
would be deflected toward the bottom of the page.
Particles with a speed would pass through the region with no deflection. Positive particles with
(E) speed would be deflected towards the bottom of the page; negative particles with speed
would be deflected towards the top of the page.

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Answer E

Correct. For the region described, the magnetic force points toward the bottom of the page, and the
electric force points toward the top of the page for positive particles. The opposite is true for negative
particles. So if the magnitudes of the forces are equal, the particles will pass through undeflected. That
will happen when ; i.e., . If is larger than this, the magnetic force will be greater
than the electric force. That would mean that the direction of the net force on a positive particle is toward
the bottom of the page. The direction of the net force on a negative particle is toward the top of the page.

64.

A vertical length of copper wire moves to the right with a steady velocity v in the direction of a constant horizontal
magnetic field B, as shown above. Which of the following describes the induced charges on the ends of the wire?
Top End: Positive
(A)
Bottom End: Negative
Top End: Negative
(B)
Bottom End: Positive
Top End: Negative
(C)
Bottom End: Zero
Top End: Zero
(D)
Bottom End: Negative
Top End: Zero
(E)
Bottom End: Zero

65.

A proton travels through a region with a uniform magnetic field and uniform electric field by passing through a
parallel plate capacitor, as shown in the figure. The proton enters the region traveling east, moves through the fields
undeflected, and continues to travel east after exiting the region. What is the direction of the magnetic field?

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(A) North
(B) South
(C) Into the page
(D) Out of the page
(E) Cannot be determined without knowing the magnitudes of the electric and magnetic fields.

Answer C

Correct. Since the electric field is directed to the south, the electrostatic force on the proton is to the
south. Then, the magnetic force then must be to the north, and, by the right hand rule, where the
vector is directed east, the magnetic field is into the page.

66. A 0.20 m long wire carries a current of 15 A and lies perpendicular to a magnetic field. The magnetic force on the
wire is measured to be 0.060 N. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field?
(A) 0.010 T
(B) 0.020 T
(C) 0.040 T
(D) 0.060 T
(E) 0.080 T

67.

The single, circular wire loop of radius R shown above carries a current I that produces a magnetic field B at the
center of the loop. If the current remains constant while the loop is enlarged to a radius of 2R, what happens to the
magnetic field at the center?

(A) It decreases to B ∕ 2.
(B) It increases to 2B.
(C) It changes to B2.
(D) It changes to .
(E) It remains unchanged.

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68.

A loop of wire carrying a steady current I is initially at rest perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field of magnitude
B, as shown above. The loop is then rotated about a diameter at a constant rate. The torque on the loop is maximum
when the loop has rotated, with respect to its initial position, through an angle of
(A) 30°
(B) 45°
(C) 90°
(D) 180°
(E) 360°

The following questions are related to this scenario:

Two long, straight, parallel wires are held fixed, as shown above. A voltage is applied to wire X, creating a current IX to
the right, and the wire experiences a magnetic force of magnitude FB toward wire Y.

69. Assuming the resistance of wire X is constant, which of the following graphs correctly illustrates the magnitude of
the magnetic force F on wire X as a function of the voltage V applied to the wire?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

70. Which of the following could be true of wire Y?

I. It carries a current in the same direction as the current in wire X.

II. It experiences a force directed away from wire X.

III. It experiences a force of different magnitude than the force on wire X.

(A) None
(B) I only
(C) II only
(D) III only
(E) I or II

71. If the distance between the two wires is tripled, what is the magnitude of the new magnetic force exerted on wire X?

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(A) FB/9
(B) FB/3
(C) FB
(D) 3FB
(E) 9FB

72.

Two long, straight, current-carrying wires are parallel to each other in the plane of the page. The wires are a
distance apart and carry a current toward the top of the page, as shown in the figure. Which of the following is
a correct expression for the magnetic field midway between the wires?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

(E) Zero

73. A single circular loop of radius is made from conducting wire. When the loop has a current , the magnetic field
at the center of the loop is . If a second circular loop of radius has a current , what is the magnetic field
at the center of the second loop?
(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

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Answer B

Correct. Using the Biot-Savart law, the magnitude of the magnetic field at the center of a loop of current-

⯑
carrying wire is . This shows that the

magnetic field is proportional to and inversely proportional to . Therefore, the magnetic field of the
second loop will increase by a factor of due to the current increasing by a factor of and will decrease
by a factor of due to the radius increasing by a factor of .

74.

A semicircular loop with a clockwise current is placed in a uniform magnetic field that is directed into the page, as
shown in the figure. is the net force on Segment , which is the straight portion of the loop. is the net force
on Segment , which is the curved portion of the loop. Which of the following correctly indicates the directions and
relative magnitudes of and ?

Direction of Direction of Magnitudes

A Toward the bottom of the figure Toward the top of the figure
B Toward the bottom of the figure Toward the top of the figure
C Toward the top of the figure Toward the bottom of the figure
D Toward the top of the figure Toward the bottom of the figure

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(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D

Answer A

Correct. A magnetic field exerts a force on a current-carrying wire according to

⯑ . Before evaluating the magnitude of this integral, it is worth noting the

directions of the two forces. For Segment , the cross product results in a force that is toward the bottom
of the figure everywhere along the segment, so that is the direction of . For Segment , the cross
product results in a force directed radially outward everywhere along the segment. By symmetry, is
directed toward the top of the figure because the horizontal components of the force cancel, leaving only
the vertical force component. For Segment , the integral can be simplified to
⯑ , where and are the loop’s radius and current, respectively. For

Segment , the integral has a zero horizontal component by symmetry and only the vertical component

needs to be evaluated. This is ⯑ ⯑ , where is the angle

between the horizontal and a line directed from the center of Segment to a point on Segment . The
differential element in the integrand is ⯑ , and the angle ranges from zero to radians in

traversing the semicircle. is then ,

the same as .

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75.

The middle sections of two long, straight wires are each bent into semicircular shapes. The two wires are placed
close to each other in a plane as shown above. Point A is the center of the circle formed by the two wires. There is a
current I in each wire. Which of the following best represents the direction of the magnetic field, if any, at point A
due to the currents?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E) There is no direction, because the magnetic field is zero.

76.

Four conducting wires perpendicular to the plane of the page are at the corners of a square, as shown in cross
section in the figure above. The wires carry equal currents in the same direction. What is the direction of the total
magnetic force on wire X caused by the other three wires?

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(A) To the north

(B) To the south
(C) To the east
(D) To the west
(E) In none of the directions above, since the magnitude of the force is zero

77.

A conducting loop in the plane of the page is partially inside a uniform magnetic field , as shown in the figure
above. What is the direction of the net force on the loop as the magnitude of the magnetic field decreases?
(A) Toward the left
(B) Toward the right
(C) Toward the top of the page
(D) Toward the bottom of the page
(E) Out of the page

78.

In an experiment, a wire with current is placed in a uniform magnetic field of magnitude directed to the right,
as shown in the figure. The end segment of the wire has length and is perpendicular to the magnetic field. The
experiment is modified so that the direction of the magnetic field is rotated such that a component of the field is
now directed out of the page. The magnetic field is still perpendicular to the end segment. Which of the following
statements correctly describes the change in the magnetic force on the end segment of the wire?

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(A) The magnitude will not change, and the direction will not change.
(B) The magnitude will decrease, and the direction will not change.
(C) The magnitude will not change, and the direction will change by .
(D) The magnitude will decrease, and the direction will change by .
(E) The magnitude will increase, and the direction will change by .

Answer C

Correct. According to the equation , since the wire and magnetic field are still
perpendicular, the magnitude of the force stays the same. Also, since the force and magnetic field must
remain perpendicular, the direction will change by .

79.

A long straight wire is located at the origin of an xy-coordinate system and is perpendicular to the xy-plane. The
wire has a current that is directed into the page, as shown in the figure above. Which of the following graphs best
represents the magnetic field due to the current as a function of the position x along the x-axis? Assume a
positive magnetic field to be directed in the +y direction.

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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80.

Two long, straight parallel wires X and Y are separated by a distance d and carry currents I and 2I, as shown in the
figure above. The force on wire X has magnitude F. If the current in each wire is both doubled and reversed in
direction, which of the following is true of the magnitude and direction of the new force on wire X?

Magnitude Direction
(A)
F Unchanged

Magnitude Direction
(B)
2F Reversed

Magnitude Direction
(C)
2F Unchanged

Magnitude Direction
(D)
4F Reversed

Magnitude Direction
(E)
4F Unchanged

81. A long, straight horizontal wire carrying a current is in a region with a magnetic field that is
directed at an angle of below the horizontal. What is the magnitude of the magnetic force per unit length
exerted on the current-carrying wire?

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(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)
(E)

Answer B

Correct. Using the equation for magnetic force yields .

82.

A current-carrying wire is suspended between the poles of a permanent magnet by light strings, as shown in the
front view figure. When the wire carries a current of , the string makes a angle with the vertical, as
shown in the side view figure. The length of the wire within the region of the magnetic field is . Which of the
following quantities should a student measure to determine the magnitude of the magnetic field between the poles of
the magnet?

I. Vertical distance between the poles of the magnet

II. Mass of the wire
III. Length of the supporting strings

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(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) III only
(D) I and II only
(E) I, II, and III

Answer B

Correct. An application of Newton’s second law of motion should be applied in this situation. Vertical
direction: ; thus ; thus ; thus ; thus
; thus . Horizontal direction: ; thus ; thus
; thus ; thus ; thus ; thus
; thus . Combine terms from the vertical direction and horizontal

direction: The length of the wire is known, the angle is known, and the strength of the

gravitational field is known. Therefore, only the mass of the wire should be measured.

Two wires perpendicular to the -axis have currents directed out of the page, as shown above. Each wire is a distance
from the -axis. Point lies on the -axis at the coordinate , and point lies on the -axis at the coordinate
.

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83. Which of the following best represents the direction of the net magnetic field at point ?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

Answer D

Correct. Using the right-hand rule and drawing the circular magnetic field around the current carrying
wire up to point , the direction of the magnetic field due to wire and wire can be determined by
taking the tangent vectors and adding them together. The magnetic field vector on point due to wire
points upward and to the left. The magnetic field vector on point due to wire points downward and
to the left. Thus by superposition, the net direction of the magnetic field at point is to the left.

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84. Which of the following expressions represents the magnitude of the magnetic field at point ?
(A) Zero
(B)
(C)
(D)

(E)

Answer E

Correct. Using the Biot-Savart law and superposition as well as the right-hand rule to determine the
direction of the magnetic field due to the current carrying wires on a point, the magnitude of the
magnetic field at point due to wire and wire is determined to be the following:

85.

Two long, straight, horizontal wires, parallel to each other in the plane of the page, carry electric currents to the
right, as shown in the figure above. What is the direction of the net magnetic field at point P midway between the
two wires?
(A) Toward the right
(B) Toward the top of the page
(C) Toward the bottom of the page
(D) Into the plane of the page
(E) Out of the plane of the page

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86.

In the figure above, two long, straight, insulated wires at right angles in the plane of the page carry currents of I and
2I, as shown. What is the direction of the magnetic field at point P, which is equidistant from the wires and coplanar
with them?
(A) Into the page
(B) Out of the page

(C)

(D)

(E)

87.

In an experiment, a student lays a copper wire parallel to and on top of a dipole magnet, as shown in the figure. The
student then allows a current to travel through the wire in the direction indicated in the figure. Which of the
following claims is correct regarding the effect that the magnet has on the wire once the current flows through the
circuit and provides appropriate reasoning?

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The wire will be attracted toward the magnet, because the magnetic force exerted on the wire is toward
(A)
the magnet.
The wire will be repelled from the magnet because the magnetic force exerted on the wire is away from
(B)
the magnet.
The wire will rotate clockwise, because the force that the magnet exerts on opposite ends of the wire are
(C)
in opposite directions.
The wire will rotate counterclockwise, because the force that the magnet exerts on opposite ends of the
(D)
wire are in opposite directions.
There will be no effect on the wire, because the magnetic field is parallel to the direction of the current
(E)
that travels through the wire.

Answer D

Correct. According to the right-hand rule, with the magnetic field directed out of the north pole of the
magnet and the current to the right, the force on the left portion of the wire will be toward the bottom of
the page. Also, with the magnetic field directed into the south pole of the magnet and the current to the
right, the force on the right portion of the wire will be toward the top of the page; thus, the wire will
rotate counterclockwise. (Note: if the wire is lifted high enough off the wire, the current will be parallel
to the magnetic field, and there will be no force on the wire.)

88.

The currents in three parallel wires, X, Y, and Z, each have magnitude I and are in the directions shown above. Wire
Y is closer to wire X than to wire Z. The magnetic force on wire Y is
(A) zero
(B) into the page
(C) out of the page
(D) toward the bottom of the page
(E) toward the left

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89. Two parallel wires, each carrying a current I, repel each other with a force F . If both currents are doubled, the force
of repulsion is
(A) 2F
(B)

(C) 4F

(D)
(E) 8F

90.

A straight wire carrying a current is in a uniform magnetic field that is directed out of the page, as shown in the
figure. Which of the following best illustrates the direction of the magnetic force on the wire?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E) zero

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91.

A uniform magnetic field is directed toward the top of the page, as shown. A circular loop of radius carries a
current counterclockwise. Which of the following correctly shows the sum of forces that the magnetic field exerts
on the loop with the correct reasoning?
, because each segment of wire has a matching segment on the opposite side with current
(A)
going in the opposite direction.
(B) , because the loop is in the plane of the field.
(C) , because half of the circular loop contributes to the sum of the forces.
(D) , because every segment of the loop contributes the same amount of force.

Answer A

Correct. The currents in small segments of the circular loop are in opposite directions on opposite sides
of the loop, so the forces are also in opposite directions and thus cancel.

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92.

Students design an experiment to determine the relationship between current in a wire and the force externed on the
wire by a magnetic field. The students place a current-carrying wire of length a fixed distance above the north
pole of a magnet. The magnet rests on an electronic balance. An ammeter is used to measure the current and the
electronic balance is used to measure the magnetic force on the magnet. The students measure the effect of current
on the magnetic force for two different magnets and with magnetic fields and , respectively. The graph
of their results is shown. Which of the following expressions correctly relates to ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Answer A

Correct. The magnitude of the magnetic force on a wire is . The magnitude of the magnetic
field in this case is related to the slope of each line. The slope for Magnet is and the slope
for Magnet is . Because the slope of Magnet is twice that of Magnet , Magnet must
have twice the magnetic field of Magnet . The length of the wire is not needed in finding this ratio,
because it is the same in the two experiments.

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93.

Three long, parallel wires are placed in a horizontal plane and the direction of the current in each wire is as shown.
The wire on the left carries current into the page, and the wires in the middle and on the right both carry current out
of the page. The middle wire is equidistant from the other two wires. The direction of the current in the middle wire
is then reversed. How does this affect the direction of the magnetic force exerted on the middle wire?
(A) The direction of the force is unchanged because the external magnetic field at its location is unchanged.
The direction of the force is unchanged because it was initially zero and will remain zero since there is
(B)
no net magnetic field at its location.
(C) The direction of the force is reversed because the external magnetic field at its location is reversed.
The direction of the force is reversed because the direction of the current is reversed while the direction
(D)
of the external magnetic field has stayed the same.

Answer D

Correct. By the right-hand rule, when the current in a wire is reversed while staying in the same external
magnetic field, the direction of the force exerted on it is also reversed.

94.

Wires and are connected to a battery of Ɛ and to a resistor of resistance . Which of the following
statements is a correct claim about the force exerted on Wire by Wire and includes appropriate supporting
evidence?
Wire exerts an upward force on Wire because the magnetic field produced by Wire exerts a
(A)
upward force on the moving charges in Wire .
(B) Wire exerts an upward force on Wire because Wire has a higher electric potential than Wire .
Wire exerts a downward force on Wire because the magnetic field produced by Wire exerts a
(C)
downward force on the moving charges in Wire .
Wire exerts a downward force on Wire because the electrons in Wire repel the electrons in Wire
(D)
.

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Answer C

Correct. The Biot-Savart law can be used to derive the magnitudes and directions of magnetic fields of
segments of current-carrying wires. The current in Wire is to the right, which creates a magnetic field
directed into the page at the location of Wire . The current in Wire is to the left. The right-hand rule
then indicates that the forces on Wire is downward.

95.

Students perform an experiment with a length of wire in a magnetic field of magnitude . The wire has a current of
magnitude . The current is toward the right, and the magnetic field is toward the top of the page, as shown in the
figure. The students use a force probe to measure the force on the wire and observe that the reading on the probe has
a magnitude of , and the force is directed out of the page. The students double the magnitude and reverse the
direction of the current in the wire. Which of the following will the students observe?
(A) The reading on the force probe will now be zero.
(B) The force on probe will be , and the force will be directed out of the page.
(C) The force on probe will be , and the force will be directed into the page.
(D) The force on probe will be , and the force will be directed out of the page.
(E) The force on probe will be , and the force will be directed into the page.

Answer E

Correct. According to the equation , if the current is doubled, the force exerted on the wire
is doubled. Also, according to the right-hand rule, changing the direction of the current will change the
direction of the force; thus, the force will be into the page.

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Four very long wires are at the corners of a square and each carry current perpendicular to the plane and in the
directions shown. The sides of the square are length . Point is at the center of the square.

96. Which of the following is a correct expression for the magnitude of the net force per length on the top right wire due
to the other three wires?
(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

Answer B

Correct. Substituting into Ampere’s law, , to determine the magnetic field at the top right
corner due to the top left wire yields . The right-hand rule indicates the magnetic field is
directed toward the bottom of the page. Repeating for the bottom right wire yields directed
toward the right. Adding the two fields as vectors yields directed at a angle toward
the right and bottom of the page. Repeating for the remaining wire yields directed at a
angle toward the left and the top of the page. The vectors and are in opposite directions.

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Subtracting their magnitudes yields

. Substituting into the equation

for the magnetic force on the top right wire yields ⅆ ;

97. If the magnetic field at point is μ and , then is most nearly

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

Answer B

Correct. The magnetic fields at point due to the wires in the upper left and lower right are in opposite
directions and cancel. The top right and bottom left wires each produce fields of magnitude pointed
up and to the left at , so substituting into the equation for the magnetic field magnitude due to both
wires yields . The distance for each of the wires is the distance from the wire to
, and it is . Substituting into the equation for the magnetic field and
solving for yields ; .

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98.

Two long, straight, current-carrying wires are parallel to each other in the plane of the page and separated by a
distance a, as shown above. The direction of the current I in each wire is toward the top of the page. Which of the
following best represents the force per unit length acting on the wires?
(A) A repulsive force of magnitude
(B) A repulsive force of magnitude
(C) An attractive force of magnitude
(D) An attractive force of magnitude
(E) Zero

99.

Two long, straight wires are fixed parallel to one another a distance d0 apart. The wires carry equal constant
currents I0 in the same direction. The attractive magnetic force per unit length between them is f = F/L . What is the
force per unit length between the wires if their separation is 2d0 and each carries current 2I0 ?
(A) f/4
(B) f/2
(C) f
(D) 3f/2
(E) 2f

100. Two long parallel wires have currents of I1 and I2 and are a distance d apart. The force per unit length exerted by
one wire on the other is F ∕ L . The current in each wire is doubled, and the distance between the wires is reduced to
d ∕ 2 . The new force per unit length is

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(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

(E)

101.

Two wires carrying equal currents of magnitude perpendicularly out of the plane of the page are fixed on the
-axis at , as shown above. Which of the following graphs best shows the total magnetic field as a
function of position on the -axis between and , assuming that the field is positive when in the
direction?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

Answer E

Correct. The magnitude of a magnetic field created by a wire carrying current I is , indicating

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that the strength of the magnetic field increases as with decreasing distance for the wire. According
to the right-hand rule, the direction of the magnetic field created on the -axis in the region between the
two wires by the wire at is in the axis, while that created by the wire at is in the
axis. This indicates that the net magnetic field due to the two wires is zero at the midpoint between
the wires. The net magnetic field is directed in the direction, and its magnitude increases as when
the wire at is approached. However, the net magnetic field is directed in the direction, and
its magnitude increases as when the wire at is approached.

102.

A U-shaped magnet is placed on a digital scale that provides the force exerted on the scale in newtons. A horizontal
wire passes between the two poles of the magnet. A student records the reading of the scale before current flows
through the wire. At a later time, current flows through the wire and into the plane of the page, as shown in the
figure. Which of the following predictions about how the reading on the scale will change after current is allowed to
flow through the wire is correct?
(A) The reading on the scale will increase because the magnetic force exerted on the wire is down.
(B) The reading on the scale will increase because the magnetic force exerted on the wire is up.
(C) The reading on the scale will decrease because the magnetic force exerted on the wire is down.
(D) The reading on the scale will decrease because the magnetic force exerted on the wire is up.
(E) The reading on the scale will not change because a force exerted on the wire does not affect the magnet.

Answer C

Correct. The magnetic field created by the bar magnet travels from the north pole of the magnet to the

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south pole of the magnet. The current travels through the wire in the direction that is into the plane of the
page. By using the appropriate right-hand rule, a downward magnetic force is exerted onto the wire from
the magnet. According to Newton’s third law of motion, if an object exerts a force on a second object,
the second object exerts a force of equal magnitude but opposite direction back on the original object.
This means that an upward force is exerted on the magnet from the current carrying wire. This force will
cause the magnet to move upward such that the force reading from the scale is less after current flows
through the wire than before when current did not flow through the wire.

103.

Four long, straight wires are arranged at the vertices of a square with sides of length 2a, as shown in the figure
above. Each wire carries a current I. The currents of three of the wires are directed into the page, while the current
at point C is directed out of the page. What is the magnetic field at the center of the square?

(A) toward wire D

(B) toward wire B

(C) toward the bottom of the page

(D) toward wire D

(E) toward wire B

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104.

Two concentric circular wire loops carry equal currents I in opposite directions, as shown in the figure above. The
inner loop has a radius a and carries a counterclockwise current. The outer loop has a radius b and carries a
clockwise current. What is the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field at the center of the loops?

Magnitude ; Direction

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Magnitude Direction
(A)
Out of the page

Magnitude Direction
(B)
Into the page

Magnitude Direction
(C)
Zero Undefined since magnitude is zero

Magnitude Direction
(D)
Out of the page

Magnitude Direction
(E)
Into the page

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105.

Three long wires, R, S, and T, are in the positions and carrying the currents indicated in the figure above. All
currents are in the plane of the page and in the direction indicated. What are the magnitude and direction of the
magnetic field at the origin?

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Magnitude Direction
(A)

Into the page

Magnitude Direction
(B)

Out of the page

Magnitude Direction
(C)
Into the page

Magnitude Direction
(D)

Out of the page

Magnitude Direction
(E)

Out of the page

106. Wires are shown in five different configurations below. Option shows two wires, and all other options show a
single wire. For all the configurations, the wires have a current . For each configuration, a labeled point is the
same distance from the indicated wires. Which of the following configurations creates a magnetic field of the
greatest magnitude at point ?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

Answer E

Correct. The Biot-Savart law can be used to calculate the magnetic field as follows: .
Because point is a distance from the current at all points and the wire forms a circular loop of
radius , . This magnetic field at point has a greater

magnitude than those given in the other options.

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107.

The diagram shows a small portion of a circuit. The rest of the circuit, which includes a power source, is not shown.
The switch controls the current in a circular arc section of wire with length for Position and length for
Position . The magnetic field strength is measured at the point shown, which is at the center of the circular arcs.
is twice as great with the switch in Position as it is with the switch in Position . What does this indicate about
the currents and with the switch in positions and , respectively? Assume that the size of the switch is small
compared to .
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Answer C

Correct. The magnetic field for a circular arc of angle is . Because the angle is the same for
both arcs, the ratio of current to radius determines the magnetic field. For twice the radius, the current
must quadruple.

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108.

A battery produces a current within a circular loop of wire of radius and total resistance . The magnetic field at
the center of the loop has magnitude . If the wire was longer such that the radius of the loop was doubled with
the same battery attached, what would be the magnitude of the magnetic field produced at the center of the loop?
(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

Answer A

Correct. Doubling the length of wire doubles its resistance, which halves the current and with twice the
loop radius, the magnetic field is quartered, because .

109. Two long, parallel wires apart carry currents in the same direction. Wire has a current of , and Wire
has a current of . In the plane of the wires, how far from Wire is the net magnetic field zero?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E) There is no position between the wires where the net magnetic field is zero.

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Answer A

Correct. The currents in both wires are in the same direction. Therefore, the magnetic fields due to the
currents in the wires in the space between the wires are in opposite directions. The magnitude of the
magnetic field that results from a current carrying wire is directly proportional to the amount of current
in the wire, and the magnitude of the magnetic field is inversely proportional to the distance from the
wire. The current in Wire is twice the current in Wire . So, the distance from Wire to the location
where the net magnetic field is zero is half of the distance from Wire to where the net magnetic field is
zero. Therefore, the location where the net magnetic field is zero must be from Wire and
from Wire .

Three long, current-carrying wires are shown in the cross-sectional view above. The currents in wires and are out of
the page, and the current in wire is into the page. The currents in the wires have equal magnitude, and the wires are in
the positions shown. Point is halfway between wires and .

110. If is the magnitude of the magnetic field at point due to wire , which of the following gives the magnitude
and direction of the magnetic field at point due to all three wires?

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Magnitude Direction
(A)
Top of the page

Magnitude Direction
(B)
Bottom of the page

Magnitude Direction
(C)
Top of the page

Magnitude Direction
(D)
Top of the page

Magnitude Direction
(E)
Bottom of the page

Answer D

Correct. Since is the magnetic field at point due to wire , which is a distance away, the magnetic
fields due to the other wires can be determined in terms of . . The magnetic field at
point due to wire , a distance from point , is . The magnetic field at
point due to wire , a distance from point , is . Thus, by the property of
superposition, the total magnitude of the magnetic field at point due to all three wires is
. Using the right-hand rule for determining the direction of the magnetic
field at point with respect to each of the wires shown, the magnetic field due to each of the wires is up
toward the top of the page; thus, the net direction is toward the top of the page.

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111. To which of the following locations, if any, could wire be moved so that the total magnetic force exerted on it by
the other two wires is zero?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E) There is no position in the vicinity of the wires at which the magnetic force on wire would be zero.

Answer E

Correct. Since all of the positions shown result in a net magnetic force, there is no position in the vicinity
of the wires at which the magnetic force on wire would be zero.

112.

There is a current of through a straight wire that splits into two concentric semicircular arcs of radius and
radius . There is a current of through the arc of radius , as shown in the figure. Which of the following is a
correct expression for the magnitude of the magnetic field at the center of the arcs?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

Answer B

Correct. Using the Biot-Savart law, , it can be shown that the magnetic field from a

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semicircle of current is given by the equation . Using the right-hand rule for the magnetic field of a
wire indicates that the magnetic fields from the two arcs are in opposite directions. The current in the arc
of radius is . Subtracting the two magnetic fields yields

113.

A circular loop of wire has a radius and carries a current . Point is along the central axis of the loop a distance
away from the center of the loop, as shown. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field at Point ?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

Answer A

Correct. From the Biot-Savart law, the -field at Point due to a differential length element is

. However, due to the geometry, the vertical components of the -field

cancel leaving only the horizontal components: . Setting up

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the integral to find the total -field yields: , which after integrating

yields the answer.

114.

A long wire carries a current , as shown in the figure. Point is located a distance from a small segment of the
wire of length . The Point on the positive -axis is a distance from the origin. What is the magnitude of the
magnetic field at Point due to this wire segment alone?
(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

Answer B

Correct. The Biot-Savart law was correctly used to determine the magnetic field from this wire segment:
⯑
⯑
where and the expression follows.

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115.

A wire with current is bent into two semi-circles of radius and radius , as shown. Which of the following
expressions correctly describes the net magnetic field at Point , the center of both semi-circles?
(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)

Answer C

Correct. Using the Biot-Savart Law, the magnetic field strength due to a current-carrying semi-circle is
, where is the radius of the semi-circle. The magnetic field created by the current in each semi-
circle is directed in opposite directions, so the values need to be subtracted .

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116.

Wires 1 and 2 are distances and from point . The wires each have a current in the directions shown. Which
of the following is correct for the magnetic field at point P due to the current in the wires?
(A) Zero
(B) out of the page

(C) into the page

(D) out of the page

(E) into the page

Answer C

Correct. Using the right-hand rule for the direction of the magnetic field, wire 1 generates a magnetic
field into the page at point , and wire 2 generates a magnetic field out of the page at point . Therefore,
the net magnetic field will be directed into the page, and the magnitudes of the magnetic fields from the
two wires must be subtracted. Using Ampere’s law, it can be shown that the equation for the magnetic
field due to a wire is . Substituting values yields .

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A long, straight conductor is carrying a current that is directed out of the page. The conductor is in a uniform magnetic
field of magnitude that is directed to the right, as shown. Point is located a distance to the left of the wire.

117. Which of the following is a correct expression for the magnetic force per unit length exerted on the conductor
and indicates the correct direction?
(A) ; toward the top of the page
(B) ; toward the bottom of the page
(C) ; toward the right
(D) ; toward the left
(E) ; the direction is undefined

Answer A

Correct. Using the equation for the magnetic force on a wire, , yields . According

to the right-hand rule for the magnetic force on a wire, with a current out of the page and a magnetic field
to the right, the force on the wire is toward the top of the page.

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118.

The conductor is now removed from the magnetic field and surrounded by a concentric conducting cylinder of
radius with current directed into the page. Points and are distances and , respectively, from the
center of the inner wire, as shown. Which of the following are the correct expressions for the magnetic field at
point and the magnetic field at point ?

(A) and

(B) and

(C) and

(D) and

(E) and

Answer A

Correct. Using Ampere’s law, an amperian loop passing through point will enclose the current in the
center wire; thus, . An amperian loop passing through point will enclose the current in
both wires, which sums to zero current; thus, .

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A coil of wire of radius is connected to a variable power supply and a resistor, as shown. The power supply
is initially off. At time , the power supply is set to a nonzero voltage and turned on. As a result, a uniform magnetic
field with magnitude is created inside the coil.

119.

A rectangular loop of wire with a counterclockwise current is inserted into the coil, as shown above, and released.
Which of the following best describes the resulting motion of the loop?
(A) It will not rotate.
(B) It will rotate clockwise in the plane of the page.
(C) It will rotate counterclockwise in the plane of the page.
(D) It will rotate such that the right side of the loop will rotate out of the page.
(E) It will rotate such that the right side of the loop will rotate into the page.

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Answer D

Correct. Electric current is in the coil. A magnetic field is produced toward the left due to current in the
coil. The magnetic field does not exert magnetic forces on the sides of the rectangular loop that are
parallel to the direction of the magnetic field. By using the right hand rule for the relationship for
, it can be shown that the magnetic field will exert a force on the right side of the
rectangular loop that is initially directed out of the page. By using the same right hand rule, it can be
shown that the magnetic field will exert a force on the left side of the rectangular loop that is initially
directed into of the page. These forces cause the rectangular loop to rotate.

120.

Students are conducting an experiment with a motor that is constructed by placing a rectangular wire loop into a
region that has the magnetic field shown in the figure. A current travels around the loop in a clockwise direction. In
trial 1, the magnetic field is uniform and has magnitude . In trial 2, the magnetic field is not uniform. It has
magnitude at the top of the loop and the magnitude increases steadily to a magnitude of at the bottom of the
loop. The students predict that, in both trials, the loop will rotate in the same direction and with the same magnitude
of angular acceleration. After conducting the trials, the students observe that the loops do not rotate with the same
angular acceleration. Which of the following explanations is correct about how the magnetic field affects the
rotation in the loop when the results of the two trials are compared?
The angular acceleration of the loop is greater in the case of the nonuniform magnetic field, because the
(A)
magnetic force exerted on the bottom of the loop is greater than with the uniform field.
The angular acceleration of the loop is greater in the case of the nonuniform magnetic field, because the
(B)
magnetic force exerted on the top of the loop is greater than with the uniform field.
In the case of the nonuniform magnetic field, a net downward magnetic force is exerted on the loop,
(C) because the magnetic force exerted on the bottom of the loop is greater than the magnetic force exerted
on the top of the loop.
The angular acceleration of the loop is smaller in the case of the nonuniform magnetic field, because the
(D) magnetic force exerted on the bottom of the loop is greater than the magnetic force exerted on the top of
the loop.
There should be no change in the rotation, because the direction of the magnetic field is still the same,
(E)
even though the magnitude of the magnetic field varies.

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Answer A

Correct. The magnitude of the magnetic force exerted on each segment of the wire can be determined by
using the appropriate equation . The magnetic force is only exerted on the top and bottom
segments of the loop, because the two vertical segments are parallel to the direction of the magnetic field.
By using the appropriate right-hand rule, it can be shown that the magnetic force exerted on the top
segment is into the page and the magnetic force exerted on the bottom segment is out of the page; thus,
the loop will rotate. In the nonuniform magnetic field, the force exerted on the bottom segment is greater
than for the uniform magnetic field. This causes an increase in torque exerted on the loop and angular
acceleration of the loop.

121. At a location that is a perpendicular distance away from a long current carrying wire the strength of the magnetic
field is . What is the magnitude of the magnetic field a perpendicular distance away from the same wire?
(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

Answer B

Correct. There is an inverse relationship between the distance and the field strength.

122.

A rigid, rectangular wire loop ABCD carrying current I1 lies in the plane of the page above a very long wire
carrying current I2, as shown above. The net force on the loop is

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(A) toward the wire

(B) away from the wire
(C) toward the left
(D) toward the right
(E) zero

123.

Four long, straight wires are perpendicular to the xy-plane. Each wire is the same distance from the origin O, as
shown in the figure above. The wires have equal currents that are in the directions shown. Which of the following
best represents the direction of the net magnetic field, if any, at the origin due to the four currents?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E) Undefined because the net field is zero.

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124.

A rectangular loop of width and length is sitting in a uniform magnetic field of magnitude
directed to the right. The loop has a current of directed clockwise around the loop. The
loop is allowed to rotate about the dashed axis through the center of the loop, as shown in the figure. The magnitude
and direction of the net torque on the loop is
(A) zero
(B) toward the bottom of the page
(C) out of the page
(D) out of the page
(E) toward the bottom of the page

Answer B

Correct. Using the equation for torque and the equation for the magnetic force on a current-carrying wire
yields . Substituting into this equation yields

. The right-hand rule for the

magnetic force on a wire indicates that the loop rotates so that the left side moves into the page. Using
the right-hand rule for the direction of torque indicates that the torque on the loop will be directed toward
the bottom of the page.

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125.

A length of wire carrying a steady clockwise current I is bent to form the triple circular loop X above. An identical
length of the same wire is bent less tightly to form the single loop Y of larger radius, which carries the same current
I. The ratio of the magnetic field strength at the center of loop Y to the magnetic field strength at the center of loop
X is

(A)

(B)
(C) 1
(D) 3
(E) 9

126.

A semicircular loop with a clockwise current is placed in a uniform magnetic field that is directed into the page, as
shown in the figure above. is the net force on segment 1, the straight portion of the loop. is the net force on
segment 2, the curved portion of the loop. Which of the following correctly indicates the directions and relative
magnitudes of the forces and ?

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Direction of Direction of Magnitudes

(A)
Toward the bottom of the page Toward the top of the page

Direction of Direction of Magnitudes

(B)
Toward the bottom of the page Toward the top of the page

Direction of Direction of Magnitudes

(C)
Toward the bottom of the page Toward the top of the page

Direction of Direction of Magnitudes

(D)
Toward the top of the page Toward the bottom of the page

Direction of Direction of Magnitudes

(E)
Toward the top of the page Toward the bottom of the page

127.

A square loop of wire carrying a current I is initially in the plane of the page and is located in a uniform magnetic
field B that points toward the bottom of the page, as shown above. Which of the following shows the correct initial
rotation of the loop due to the force exerted on it by the magnetic field?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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128.

Shown above are three long, straight current-carrying wires. What are the magnitude and direction of the magnetic
field at point from these three currents?
(A) out of the page

(B) out of the page

(C) into the page
(D) into the page
(E) out of the page

Answer A

Correct. The contribution to the total magnetic field at point from each current-carrying wire is as
follows. The field from current is out of the page. The field from the horizontal is
into the page. The field from the vertical is into the page. Taking positive as out of the page
and adding all of the expressions with their proper signs according to the law of superposition yields
.

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129.

Three long wires, each with currents of the same magnitude, are arranged so that they are equidistant from each
other, and in a cross-sectional view they form an equilateral triangle as shown above. Two of the wires, and ,
have currents directed into the page, and wire has a current directed out of the page. Which of the following best
represents the direction of the net magnetic field at point that is directly below wire and to the left of wire ?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

Answer E

Correct. According to the right-hand rule for the direction of the magnetic field due to a wire, at point ,
the direction of the magnetic field due to wire will be toward the left, the direction of the magnetic
field due to wire will be toward the top of the page, and the direction of the magnetic field due to wire
will be toward the bottom of the page and to the right. Since wires and are closer to point , the
magnitude of their magnetic fields at point have a larger magnitude than the magnetic field at point
due to wire ; thus, the net magnetic field at point is directed toward the top of the page and to the
left.

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130.

Students perform an experiment by placing a wire in a magnetic field of magnitude B that is directed to the right.
The wire has a current of magnitude I directed toward the bottom of the page. Which of the following correctly
describes the change in the force on the wire as the wire is rotated clockwise while staying in the plane of the
page?
The force goes from a maximum value directed out of the page, remains directed out of the page, and
(A)
decreases down to zero.
The force goes from a maximum value directed into the page, remains directed into the page, and
(B)
decreases down to zero.
The force goes from zero, increase and is directed out of the page, and reaches a maximum value
(C)
directed out of the page.
The force goes from a maximum value directed out of the page, decreases to zero, and then increases to
(D)
a maximum value directed into the page.
The force goes from a maximum value directed into the page, decreases to zero, and then increases to a
(E)
maximum value directed out of the page.

Answer A

Correct. According to the equation , the magnetic force on a wire is at a maximum value
when the current and magnetic field are perpendicular to each other and are a minimum when the current
and magnetic field are parallel. Thus, in the position shown, the force on the wire is at a maximum value
and decreases to zero as the wire is rotated , and, according to the right-hand rule for the force on a
wire, the direction of the magnetic force on the wire when it is in the position shown is out of the page.

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131.

Current flows through a -shaped tube in the direction that is shown in the figure. Point is located at the center
of the semicircular section of the tube a distance away from the center of the tube. If the current is doubled to ,
what change, if any, will occur to the net magnetic field at point ?
(A) The magnitude of the net magnetic field at point will decrease by a factor of two.
(B) The magnitude of the net magnetic field at point will remain the same.
(C) The magnitude of the net magnetic field at point is zero and will remain zero.
(D) The magnitude of the net magnetic field at point will increase by a factor of two.
(E) The magnitude of the net magnetic field at point will increase by a factor of four.

Answer D

Correct. The equation for the net magnetic field at a particular location from a current-carrying wire is

. The strength of the magnetic field is proportional to the magnitude of the current.
At all points, the magnetic field is into the plane of the page at location . Therefore, if the current
increases by a factor of , the magnetic field will increase by a factor of .

132.

A long, straight wire of radius a carries a current I out of the page, which is uniformly distributed over the cross
section of the wire. The value of , the line integral of the magnetic field B around the wedge-shaped path,
equals which of the following?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

133.

A cross section of a long solenoid that carries current ⯑ is shown above. All of the following statements about the
magnetic field B inside the solenoid are correct EXCEPT:
(A) B is directed to the left.
(B) An approximate value for the magnitude of B may be determined by using Ampère's law.
(C) The magnitude of B is proportional to the current ⯑.
(D) The magnitude of B is proportional to the number of turns of wire per unit length.
(E) The magnitude of B is proportional to the distance from the axis of the solenoid.

134.

Two long parallel wires are a distance 2a apart, as shown above. Point P is in the plane of the wires and a distance a
from wire X. When there is a current I in wire X and no current in wire Y, the magnitude of the magnetic field at P is
B0. When there are equal currents I in the same direction in both wires, the magnitude of the magnetic field at P is

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(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)
(E)

135.

A thin conducting wire is located along the central axis of a long conducting cylindrical shell of radius , as
shown in the figure. The central wire is carrying a current of toward the left, and the cylindrical shell is
carrying a current of that is toward the right and uniformly distributed around the shell. If the magnetic field
has a magnitude at a distance of from the central axis and a magnitude at distance of
from the central axis, what is the ratio ?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D) The ratio is undefined because and are both zero.

Answer B

Correct. According to Ampere’s law ( ⯑ ), the magnetic field inside the cylindrical

shell is affected by the current in the central wire but not by the current in the cylindrical shell, and has a
magnitude equal to . Since the magnetic field magnitude is inversely proportional to

distance from the central axis, the ratio is .

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136.

Current of uniform density flows into the plane of the page through a cylindrical conducting wire of radius .
An Amperian loop of radius is centered about the center of the wire, as shown in the figure. What is the
current that flows through the loop, and how does the magnetic field vary with the current at a point that is a
radial distance from the center of the loop?
(A) , and the magnetic field B is directly proportional to current I in the case where .

(B) , and the magnetic field B is directly proportional to current I in the case where .

, and the magnetic field is zero inside of the Amperian loop and independent of current I in
(C)
the case where .

(D) , and the magnetic field is zero inside of the Amperian loop and independent of current I in
the case where .

(E) , and the magnetic field is zero inside of the Amperian loop and independent of current I in
the case where .

Answer B

Correct. Using Ampere’s law to calculate the current through the loop yields
, where the current that is enclosed by the Amperian loop is .

. Since , the given formula for I holds true. The magnetic

field increases proportional to .

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137. A wire of radius R has a current I uniformly distributed across its cross-sectional area. Ampere's law is used with a
concentric circular path of radius r, with r < R, to calculate the magnitude of the magnetic field B at a distance r
from the center of the wire. Which of the following equations results from a correct application of Ampere's law to
this situation?
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)

(E)

138.

The long, straight wire of radius carries a current that is uniformly distributed over its cross-sectional area.
Which of the following graphs best represents the magnitude of the magnetic field as a function of distance
from the axis of the wire?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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139.

Three long wires, , , and , are arranged in the -plane parallel to each other and the -axis at the positions
shown in the figure. The direction and current in each wire are indicated. Which of the following correctly indicates
the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field at the origin of the coordinate system?

(A) in the direction

(B) in the direction

(C) in the direction

(D) in the direction

Answer C

Correct. The magnetic field is the superposition of the magnetic fields due to each individual wire. For an
individual wire, Ampere’s law results in the equation . The field from each wire is in the
same direction, in the -direction, at the origin, so the field magnitudes add. The magnitude of the field

at the origin is then , which is

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140.

A long, straight wire carries a current toward the right, as shown in the figure. The magnetic field due to the
current in the wire has magnitude at Point , which is a distance from the wire. For which of the following
configurations of long, straight wires does the magnetic field have the same magnitude at Point ?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

Answer A

Correct. The principle of superposition can be used to determine the net magnetic field at Point created

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by the two-wire combination. Since the field around a single long, straight wire is inversely proportional
to the distance from the wire, the top wire in the figure produces a field of magnitude at Point . By
the right-hand rule, this field is in the opposite direction from the field produced by the bottom wire, so
using vector addition of the two fields results in a net field magnitude of , the same as
in the original figure.

141.

The diagram above shows the cross section of a long cable that has an inner wire of radius R surrounded by a
conducting sheath of outer radius 2R. The wire and the sheath carry currents in opposite directions but with the
same uniform current density J. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field at the surface of the outer conductor?
(A) Zero
(B)

(C)

(D)
(E)

Students are to perform an experiment using a long solenoid, a magnetic field probe, a bar magnet, a power
supply, connecting wires, and meters for collecting voltage and current data.

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142.

The students insert the magnetic field probe along the axis of the solenoid at the midpoint of the solenoid. The
solenoid is connected to the power supply, and measurements are recorded for the magnitude of the magnetic
field at that location as a function of the current passing through it. The data are taken for five different power
supply settings, and the plot of the data is shown in the graph. Which of the following is correct for the total number
of loops for this solenoid?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E) The number of loops cannot be determined without knowing the radius of the solenoid.

Answer B

Correct. The magnetic field in a solenoid with current is given by , where

is the number of coils in the solenoid and is its length. If is graphed as a function of , the slope
of a best-fit line through the data represents . Therefore, for the graph above
and
.

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143.

The diagram shows two long, straight current-carrying wires that are oriented in the plane of the page. Each wire
carries current of the same magnitude I. What is the magnitude and direction of the net magnetic field at location O?
(A) Zero
(B) toward the bottom of the page

(C) toward the bottom of the page

(D) toward the top of the page

(E) toward the top of the page

Answer B

Correct. The net magnetic field at location O can be determined by calculating the vector sum of the
magnetic fields from each current-carrying wire at the location in the horizontal and vertical directions.
represents the magnetic field produced by the current-carrying wire that is out of the page.
represents the magnetic field produced by the current-carrying wire that is into the page. Assuming that
toward the right is the positive direction and toward the left is the negative direction,
.
Assuming that toward the top of the page is the positive direction and toward the bottom of the page is
the negative direction,

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144.

A wire of radius has a current uniformly distributed though its cross-sectional area that generates a magnetic
field of magnitude at a distance from the center of the wire. Which of the following best indicates the
relationship between and for the regions inside and outside the wire?

Inside the wire Outside the wire

(A)

Inside the wire Outside the wire

(B)

Inside the wire Outside the wire

(C)

Inside the wire Outside the wire

(D)

Inside the wire Outside the wire

(E)

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Answer B

Correct. Using Ampere’s law for inside the wire, , and applying a uniform current
density to an Amperian loop of radius yields . For
outside the wire, an Amperian loop encloses all of the current; thus, the equation for the
magnetic field is .

145. A long, straight wire carrying a constant current creates a magnetic field around it. The magnetic field strength is
measured with a magnetic field sensor at varying distances from the wire while the current is kept constant. Which
of the following indicates a graph that will have a constant positive slope and the Maxwell equation most closely
related to the graph?
A graph of the magnitude of the magnetic field as a function of the current. This is related to Faraday’s
(A)
law.
A graph of the magnitude of the magnetic field as a function of distance from the center of the wire.
(B)
This is related to Faraday’s law.
A graph of the magnitude of the magnetic field as a function of distance from the center of the wire.
(C)
This is related to Ampere’s law.
A graph of the magnitude of the magnetic field as a function of the inverse of the distance from the
(D)
center of the wire. This is related to Faraday’s law.
A graph of the magnitude of the magnetic field as a function of the inverse of the distance from the
(E)
center of the wire. This is related to Ampere’s law.

Answer E

Correct. Solving Ampere’s law, , for the magnetic field around a current-carrying
wire yields ; thus, graphing the magnitude of the magnetic field as a function of the inverse of
the distance from the center of the wire will produce a function with a constant positive slope.

146. A long, straight wire of radius carries current . The current is distributed over the cross-sectional area of the
wire with a uniform current density. Which of the following graphs best represents the magnetic field strength
produced by the current as a function of the distance from the center of the wire?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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(E)

Answer E

Correct. For a long, straight wire with uniform current density and radius , the magnetic field strength
produced by the current as a function of the distance from the center of the wire can be determined by
drawing Amperian loops.
Outside the wire, where , the Amperian loop encircles current . Thus, using Ampere’s
law,

.
Inside the wire, where , the current encircled is proportional to the area enclosed,
.
So the closed integral of
.
Therefore, the field is zero at the center of the wire and increases linearly with for . When it
reaches , the edge of radius of the wire (outside the wire), the field falls off as for .
This graph appropriately shows this behavior, where is proportional to inside the wire and is
proportional to outside the wire.

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147.

A long wire of radius R carries a current I, as shown above, with a current density J = ar that increases linearly with
the distance r from the center of the wire. Which of the following graphs best represents the magnitude of the
magnetic field B as a function r ?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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148.

A long, cylindrical conductor with inner radius a and outer radius b carries a current I distributed uniformly over its
cross section (the shaded region shown above). Which of the following graphs best shows the magnitude of the
magnetic field B as a function of the distance r from the axis of the conductor?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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149.

Two long, hollow, concentric conducting cylinders carry currents in opposite directions into and out of the plane of
the page, as shown in the cross section above. The currents are unequal, but the current density J is the same for
both cylinders. In which of the following regions can the net magnetic field be zero at some nonzero finite distance
r from the central axis?
(A) r < R only
(B) Both r < R and R < r < 2R
(C) Both r < R and 2R < r < 3R
(D) Both r < R and 3R < r < 4R
(E) r > 4R only

150.

A long solenoid with a horizontal central axis has the current coming out of the page at the top and going into the
page at bottom, as shown in a partial cut-away view. Also shown is a rectangular Amperian loop with sides labeled
from to . Which of the following correctly identifies the side (or sides) of the rectangle that leads (lead) to a non-
zero contribution to the line integral of the magnetic field over the Amperian loop?
(A) only
(B) and only
(C) and only
(D) only

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151.

A thick coaxial cable carries a current to the left in the inner wire of radius , and a current to the right in the
thick outer shell of inner radius and outer radius . What is the magnitude of the magnetic field in the outer shell
as a function of for ?
(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)

Answer D

Correct. The magnetic field depends on the current enclosed by an Amperian loop. Inside of the outer
shell, the enclosed current in the inner wire, and part of the current in the outer wire, is given by

. The magnetic field is found using Ampere’s Law: ⯑ ,

, .

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152.

Two long straight wires carry currents as shown. Wire carries a current of to the right and Wire , positioned
away from Wire , carries a current of out of the page. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field at
Point , the midpoint between the two wires?
(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)

Answer C

Correct. The magnetic field from Wire is and from Wire is

, because Point is the same distance from both wires. Now, is
directed into the page, whereas is directed to the left. Because and are orthogonal, the net
magnetic field at Point has magnitude .

153. Two long wires are parallel to each other and are apart. Each wire has a current of , but in opposite
directions. What is the magnetic field at the midpoint between the wires?
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

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Answer D

Correct. By the right-hand rule, the magnetic fields from the two wires are in the same direction. The
total magnetic field is then (by Ampère’s law)
.

154.

The long wire of radius shown above carries a current that is uniformly distributed over its cross-sectional area.
Which of the following graphs best represents the magnitude of the magnetic field as a function of distance
from the axis of the wire?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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(E)

Answer B

Correct. The dependence of the magnetic field on distance from the center of the wire can be determined
using Ampere’s law: ; ; . Outside the wire, where ,

the equation above indicates that the magnetic field varies as . Inside the wire, where , only
the fraction of the current that is enclosed in an Amperian loop of radius contributes to at .
This is related to the ratio of cross-section areas as follows: .
Substituting into Ampere’s law yields ; . Inside the wire, is
proportional to . Therefore, this option is the only completely correct choice.

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155.

A wire of radius has a current uniformly distributed through its cross-sectional area. The current generates a
magnetic field of magnitude at a distance from the center of the wire. Which of the following best indicates the
relationship between and for the regions inside and outside the wire?

Inside the wire Outside the wire

A
B
C
D

(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D

Answer C

Correct. Applying Ampère’s law to a circular path of radius inside the current carrying wire

yields a magnetic field that is directly proportional to : ⯑ , ,

. Outside the wire , the magnetic field is inversely proportional to :

⯑ , , .

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156.

A circular ring carries an electric current. The magnetic field diagram shown is in a plane that passes through the
center of the ring, and which is perpendicular to the plane of the ring. Four paths , , , and , represented by
dashed lines, are in the plane of the magnetic field along which the integral ⯑ may be evaluated. Which
of the paths would yield a result of zero when evaluating this integral?
(A) Path only
(B) Paths and only
(C) Path only
(D) Path only

Answer B

Correct. For either of these paths the net current passing through the loop is zero because the loop has the
same amount of current passing through the plane of the loop in both directions. Therefore, the integral
must yield zero by Ampere’s Law.

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157.

Two wires are 10 cm apart, as shown in the figure above. One wire has a current of 3 A to the right, and the other
wire has a current of 5 A to the left. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field, in teslas, at the point midway
between the wires?
(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

158.

Suppose that the magnetic field due to a very long straight wire carrying current I has magnitude B0 at a distance r0
from the wire. If the wire is bent into a right angle and placed on the xy-axes as shown above, the magnitude of the
magnetic field at point P on the x-axis at a distance of r0 from the bend is most nearly
(A) zero
(B) B0/4
(C) B0/2
(D) B0
(E) 2B0

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159.

Three long, insulated, current-carrying wires surround Point , all in the -plane, as shown. The top wire carries a
current to the right and is a distance above Point . The vertical wire wire carries a current toward the top
of the page and is a distance to the left of Point . The bottom wire carries a current and is a distance
below Point . What is the magnitude of the magnetic field at Point ?
(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)

Answer C

Correct. Using Ampère’s law, . Taking the placement of Point into account means that
the magnetic fields from the top and side wire are directed into the page whereas the magnetic field from
the bottom wire is directed out of the page. The total magnetic field is then
.

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160.

Two long current-carrying wires with current directed out of the page are positioned a distance from each other.
Point is located a distance from each of two current-carrying wires, as shown in the figure. What is the
magnitude of the net magnetic field at Point ?
(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)

Answer D

Correct. The magnitude of the magnetic field from each of the wires is . By the right-hand rule,
the magnetic field from the left wire is pointing to the left at an angle above the horizontal, whereas
the magnetic field from the right wire is pointing to the left at an angle below the horizontal. The
vertical components cancel, and the horizontal components add .

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161.

Two current carrying wires are placed next to each other, as shown. One wire has a current of directed toward
the bottom of the page and the other has a current of directed toward the top of the page. Point is located
directly in the middle of the two wires. What is the magnetic field at this point due to both wires?
(A) , into the page
(B) , out of the page
(C) , into the page
(D) , out of the page

Answer B

Correct. The magnitude of the magnetic field of a long straight wire is . Thus,
and . Using the right-hand rule,
the magnetic field due to each of these wires would be out of the page. Therefore, the magnetic fields
need to be added to get the correct answer.

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162.

Two long, straight wires are parallel to and equidistant from the y-axis, as shown above left. Each carries current I
in opposite directions, resulting in a magnetic field of magnitude B0 at the origin. If the wires are each bent into
right angles and placed as shown above right, what is the magnitude of the magnetic field at the origin?
(A) Zero
(B) Between zero and

(C)

(D) Between and

(E)

163.

Two parallel, straight conductors carry currents 3I and I in the same direction, as shown in the figure above. A
plastic meterstick is held against the wires so that they are positioned at the 0.3 m and 0.7 m mark, respectively. At
what position on the meterstick is the magnetic field zero?
(A) Nowhere on the meterstick
(B) At the 0.1 m mark
(C) At the 0.4 m mark
(D) At the 0.6 m mark
(E) At the 0.9 m mark

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164.

Two long, straight wires are perpendicular to each other but not in electrical contact. The current in each wire has
magnitude I and direction as shown in the figure above. Point is at a distance from each wire. The total
magnetic field at due to the currents in the wires is . At a later time, the current through one of the wires is
doubled. Which of the following expressions is the magnitude of the new total magnetic field at ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

Answer C

Correct. Due to the principle of superposition, the net magnetic field produced at point P is the vector
sum of the magnetic fields produced by the two wires. Since the initial net magnetic field at point P is
and the currents in the wires are the same, each wire originally produced a magnetic field of
magnitude . Because the magnetic field due to a current-carrying wire is directly proportional to the
current according to the equation , doubling the current in one of the wires will double the
magnetic field for that wire at point P. When one current is doubled, the field due to that wire is now .
Therefore, the net magnetic field is now .

165. The magnetic field at a perpendicular distance r from a long, straight current-carrying wire is directly proportional
to

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(A) r
(B) r2
(C) 1/ r
(D) 1/ r2
(E) ln(r)

166.

Three long, straight wires are arranged so that they form the sides of an equilateral triangle of side length a, as
shown. Each wire carries an identical current I. The wires are not in electrical contact. What is the magnitude of the
net magnetic field produced by the current-carrying wires at point P, the center of the triangle?
(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

Answer B

Correct. The magnitude of the magnetic field due to the current in a long, straight wire is given by the
equation . Using geometry, it can be determined that the distance from point P to any of the wires is
. All three wires produce a magnetic field into the page at the center of the circle. The net
magnetic field is the sum of the contributions from each wire; thus,
.

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167. Which of the following will increase the magnetic field on the axis of a long solenoid?

i. Increasing the current in the solenoid

ii. Increasing the cross-sectional area of the solenoid

iii. Inserting an iron core into the solenoid

(A) I only
(B) III only
(C) I and III only
(D) II and III only
(E) I, II, and III

168.

Two long, parallel, current-carrying wires are located near each other. The wires have currents and and are a
distance apart. Which of the following claims, with the appropriate evidence, is correct about the position around
the wires where the magnetic field is zero?
The magnetic field is zero at a horizontal distance that is halfway between the wires, because the
(A)
position is equidistant from each wire.
The magnetic field is zero at a horizontal distance from the wire that has current and in between
(B)
both wires, because the position should be closer to the wire that has the greatest current.
The magnetic field is zero at a horizontal distance from the wire that has current and in between
(C)
both wires, because the position should be closer to the wire that has the smallest current.
The magnetic field is zero at a horizontal distance from the wire that has current and in between
(D)
both wires, because the position should be closer to the wire that has the smallest current.
There is no point between the wires where the magnetic field is zero, because the currents in each wire
(E)
travel in the same direction.

Answer C

Correct. The net magnetic field can be determined in this situation:

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The horizontal location of

where the net magnetic field is zero will be twice as far away from the wire with current 2I as the wire
with current I. This is the only choice that shows the correct relationship between the currents that flow
through the wires and the horizontal position away from each wire.

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