Question

Two long, straight wires are parallel and 16 cm apart. One carries a current of 2.9 A, the other a current of 5.7 A. (a) If the two currents flow in opposite directions, what is the magnitude (in N/m) and direction of the force per unit length of one wire on the other?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

Distance between two long wires, d = 16 cm = 0.16 m

Current in one wire,
`I_1=2.9\ A`

Current in wire 2,
`I_2=5.7\ A`

The magnetic force per unit length of one wire on the other is given by the following expression as :

`(F)/(l)=(\mu_o I_1I_2)/(2\pi d)`

`(F)/(l)=(4\pi * 10^(-7)* 2.9* 5.7)/(2\pi * 0.16)`

`(F)/(l)=2.06* 10^(-5)\ N/m`

The current is flowing in opposite direction, the magnetic force acting on it is repulsive. Hence, this is the required solution.