May the Magnetic Force Be with You

After a demonstration of the deflection of an electron beam, students review their knowledge of the cross-product and the right-hand rule with example problems. Then they study the magnetic force on a charged particle, compared to the electric force. Provided lecture material covers the motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field with respect to the direction of the field. Finally, students apply these concepts to understand the magnetic force on a current carrying wire. Through the associated activity, students further explore the force on a current carrying wire.