Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Magnetic Field due to a Current
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · Magnetic Field due to a Current
As shown in the figure, a long wire is bent at its middle to form a...
As shown in the figure, a long wire is bent at its middle to form a right angle. The magnitudes of the magnetic fields at the points , , , and are equal. Determine this common magnitude.


Options
- A
- B
- C
- D
Correct answer
B.
Step-by-step solution
Let the bend of the wire be at the origin .
The wire consists of two semi-infinite segments:
1. A vertical segment along the negative y-axis.
2. A horizontal segment along the negative x-axis.
The given points are , , , and .
Consider the magnetic field at point :
Point lies on the vertical segment, so the magnetic field due to this segment at is zero.
Point is at a perpendicular distance from the end of the semi-infinite horizontal segment.
The magnetic field due to a semi-infinite wire at a perpendicular distance from its end is .
Thus, the total magnetic field at is .
Similarly, point lies on the extended axis of the horizontal segment (zero contribution) and is at a perpendicular distance from the end of the vertical semi-infinite segment. The field at is also .
By symmetry, the fields at and have the same magnitude.
The common magnitude is .
Answer:
The wire consists of two semi-infinite segments:
1. A vertical segment along the negative y-axis.
2. A horizontal segment along the negative x-axis.
The given points are , , , and .
Consider the magnetic field at point :
Point lies on the vertical segment, so the magnetic field due to this segment at is zero.
Point is at a perpendicular distance from the end of the semi-infinite horizontal segment.
The magnetic field due to a semi-infinite wire at a perpendicular distance from its end is .
Thus, the total magnetic field at is .
Similarly, point lies on the extended axis of the horizontal segment (zero contribution) and is at a perpendicular distance from the end of the vertical semi-infinite segment. The field at is also .
By symmetry, the fields at and have the same magnitude.
The common magnitude is .
Answer: