Questions: An electric current (I) flows through a conductor, which is perpendicular to an external magnetic field (B). As a result, the conductor experiences a force. Complete the statement. If the direction of current reverses, but the amount of current does not change, then the force experienced by the conductor -. Choose 1 answer: (A) becomes stronger (B) becomes weaker (C) reverses direction (D) does not change

Solution Steps

The force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field is given by $\vec{F} = I\vec{L} \times \vec{B}$, where $\vec{L}$ is the length vector of the conductor, pointing in the direction of the current. Since the current and magnetic field are perpendicular, the magnitude of the force is $F = ILB$.

Reversing the current means reversing the direction of $\vec{L}$. The magnitude of the current $I$ stays the same. Since the force depends on the cross product of $\vec{L}$ and $\vec{B}$, reversing $\vec{L}$ will reverse the direction of the force. The magnitude of the force remains unchanged.

Final Answer