Considering the magnetic force on a single charge (e) we find
Now the total force on a wire comprised of (nAl) charge carriers each with charge e is given by
Defining a vector l along the wire in the same direction as J and using |JA| = i (electric current) we find for the total force on the wire
Note that for a given current negative and positive charge carriers move in opposite directions. This leads to a force on the wire in the same direction (see above), whether the charge carriers are positive or negative.
When chemists die, they barium.
Dr. C. L. Davis
Physics Department
University of Louisville
email: c.l.davis@louisville.edu