Which phenomenon describes the force acting on a wire carrying an electric current in a magnetic field?

The force acting on a wire carrying an electric current in a magnetic field is best described by the motor effect. This phenomenon occurs when an electric current flows through a conductor situated within a magnetic field, causing the wire to experience a force that can result in motion. The interaction between the magnetic field and the moving charges in the wire generates this force, which is a fundamental principle behind the operation of electric motors.

In practical applications, this principle can be observed in devices like electric motors, where the controlled interactions enable rotational motion. The direction of the force can be determined using the right-hand rule, which helps predict how the wire will move relative to the magnetic field.

The other concepts mentioned, while related to electricity and magnetism, do not directly describe this specific situation. Magnetic flux refers to the measure of the quantity of magnetism, electromagnetic induction involves generating an electromotive force (EMF) through changing magnetic fields, and Lenz's law explains the direction of induced currents in response to changes in magnetic flux. None of these options capture the specific force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field as effectively as the motor effect does.