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
A long, straight wire with a cross-sectional area A carries a...
A long, straight wire with a cross-sectional area carries a current . Suppose the number of free electrons per unit volume is . An observer is positioned on a trolley that travels in the direction opposite to the current at a speed , keeping a separation distance from the wire. The magnetic field observed by this person is approximately
Options
- Azero
- B
- C
- D
Correct answer
C.
Step-by-step solution
The drift velocity of free electrons in the wire is given by .
The direction of the drift velocity of electrons is opposite to the direction of the conventional current.
The trolley moves in the direction opposite to the current with speed , which is exactly equal to the drift velocity of the electrons.
In the reference frame of the trolley, the free electrons are at rest, so they do not contribute to the current.
However, the positive ions of the metallic lattice, which are stationary in the ground frame, appear to move with velocity in the direction of the current.
The linear charge density of the positive ions is .
The current due to the apparent motion of positive ions in the trolley frame is .
Since the net current in the trolley frame remains , the magnetic field observed by the person is .
The direction of the drift velocity of electrons is opposite to the direction of the conventional current.
The trolley moves in the direction opposite to the current with speed , which is exactly equal to the drift velocity of the electrons.
In the reference frame of the trolley, the free electrons are at rest, so they do not contribute to the current.
However, the positive ions of the metallic lattice, which are stationary in the ground frame, appear to move with velocity in the direction of the current.
The linear charge density of the positive ions is .
The current due to the apparent motion of positive ions in the trolley frame is .
Since the net current in the trolley frame remains , the magnetic field observed by the person is .