# A current-carrying wire is placed between the poles of a magnet. Describe how the direction of the force on the wire changes when both the direction of the current and the direction of the magnetic field are reversed at the same time.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 8.2 Magnetic effects of currents and the motor effect · Describe · 4 marks

> A horizontal wire carries a current from left to right. It is placed in a magnetic field directed from north to south. The wire experiences an upward force.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Reversing the current alone would reverse the direction of the force
2. Reversing the magnetic field alone would also reverse the direction of the force
3. When both are reversed, the two reversals cancel out / the force is in the same direction as before
4. The size / magnitude of the force is unchanged

## Key terms

- [force](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/force)
- [current](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/current)
- [magnetic field](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/magnetic-field)
- [direction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/direction)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-current-carrying-wire-is-placed-between-a8401e06) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.