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In the figure below, the bottom wire carries a current of 5.2 A. The current of

ID: 2062018 • Letter: I

Question

In the figure below, the bottom wire carries a current of 5.2 A. The current of the upper wire is directed in the opposite direction, and the total magnetic field at point p1is zero.

a) What is the current in the top wire?

b) Given that the wires are separated by 2a, where a = 0.021 m, what is the magnitude of the magnetic field at point p2?

In the figure below, the bottom wire carries a current of 5.2 A. The current of the upper wire is directed in the opposite direction, and the total magnetic field at point p1is zero. a) What is the current in the top wire? b) Given that the wires are separated by 2a, where a = 0.021 m, what is the magnitude of the magnetic field at point p2?

Explanation / Answer

magnetic field = oI/2r
where o = 4x10-7

a) magnetic field due to I2 =  o x 5.2/2 x 0.021

magnetic field due to I1 =  oI1/2 x 3 x 0.021

equating both since they are in opposite directions

o x 5.2/2 x 0.021 = oI1/2 x 3 x 0.021

or I1= 5.2 x 3 = 15.5 A

b) magnetic field will be summation due to both the wires

so,

o x 15.6 / 2 x 0.021 + o x 5.2/2 x 0.021

= 1.981 x 10-4 T