Question

The free electrons in a conducting wire are in constant thermal motion. If such a wire, carrying no current, is placed in a magnetic field, is there a magnetic force on each free electron? Is there a magnetic force on the wire?

Answer 1

Explanation:

• The magnetic force is acting on the electrons individually as they are in motion.
• The collective motion of all the electrons that are vibrating or moving are represented by the current via the wire.
• So, the complete effect is negligible. So, no net magnetic force can be seen on the wire.

                         $F=1 L B \sin (\theta)$

• So, the current in the wire is zero. When zero is the current in the wire, then the wire’s force will also be zero.