Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Magnetic Field
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · Magnetic Field
A straight wire of mass m and length l is able to slide on two...
A straight wire of mass and length is able to slide on two parallel plastic rails positioned in a horizontal plane with a separation . The coefficient of friction between the wire and the rails is . If the wire carries a current , determine the minimum magnetic field that must be present in the space to make the wire slide on the rails.
Options
- A
- B
- C
- D
Correct answer
D.
Step-by-step solution
Since the rails are made of plastic, they are non-conducting. Therefore, the current must flow through the entire length of the wire, not just the part between the rails.
Let the magnetic field be applied vertically to the horizontal plane. The magnetic force acting on the current-carrying wire is given by:
The normal reaction force on the wire due to its weight is:
The maximum static frictional force opposing the motion of the wire is:
For the wire to just start sliding on the rails, the magnetic force must be equal to or greater than the maximum static frictional force:
Substituting the expressions for and :
Rearranging the inequality to solve for the minimum magnetic field :
Thus, the minimum magnetic field required to make the wire slide is .
Let the magnetic field be applied vertically to the horizontal plane. The magnetic force acting on the current-carrying wire is given by:
The normal reaction force on the wire due to its weight is:
The maximum static frictional force opposing the motion of the wire is:
For the wire to just start sliding on the rails, the magnetic force must be equal to or greater than the maximum static frictional force:
Substituting the expressions for and :
Rearranging the inequality to solve for the minimum magnetic field :
Thus, the minimum magnetic field required to make the wire slide is .