# A current-carrying wire is placed between the poles of a permanent magnet so that the wire is perpendicular to the magnetic field. Explain why the wire experiences a force and describe how the direction of that force can be determined.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 12.1 Magnetism and the motor effect · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The current in the wire produces a magnetic field around the wire
2. This magnetic field interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet
3. The force is at right angles to both the current direction and the magnetic field direction
4. Fleming's left-hand rule is used to determine the direction of the force, using the thumb for force, first finger for field and second finger for current

## Key terms

- [magnetic field](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/magnetic-field)
- [permanent magnet](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/permanent-magnet)
- [current-carrying wire](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/current-carrying-wire)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" 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-d7ad9be5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.