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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

Two long, parallel wires carry currents i_1 and i_2 such that i_1 >...

Two long, parallel wires carry currents i1i_1 and i2i_2 such that i1>i2i_1 > i_2. The magnetic field at a midway point between the wires is 10μT10 \mu\text{T} when the currents travel in the same direction. If the direction of i2i_2 is reversed, the magnetic field becomes 30μT30 \mu\text{T}. Determine the ratio i1/i2i_1/i_2.

Options

  1. A22
  2. B33
  3. C44
  4. D11

Correct answer

A. 22

Step-by-step solution

Let the distance between the wires be 2d2d. The magnetic field at the midway point due to a long straight wire carrying current ii is B=μ0i2πdB = \dfrac{\mu_0 i}{2\pi d}.

When the currents are in the same direction, the magnetic fields at the midway point oppose each other. Since i1>i2i_1 > i_2, the net magnetic field is:

B1=μ02πd(i1−i2)=10μTB_1 = \dfrac{\mu_0}{2\pi d}(i_1 - i_2) = 10 \mu\text{T}

When the direction of i2i_2 is reversed, the currents are in opposite directions, and their magnetic fields at the midway point add up:

B2=μ02πd(i1+i2)=30μTB_2 = \dfrac{\mu_0}{2\pi d}(i_1 + i_2) = 30 \mu\text{T}

Dividing the two equations, we get:

i1+i2i1−i2=3010=3\dfrac{i_1 + i_2}{i_1 - i_2} = \dfrac{30}{10} = 3

i1+i2=3i1−3i2i_1 + i_2 = 3i_1 - 3i_2

2i1=4i22i_1 = 4i_2

i1i2=2\dfrac{i_1}{i_2} = 2
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