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 and such that . The magnetic field at a midway point between the wires is when the currents travel in the same direction. If the direction of is reversed, the magnetic field becomes . Determine the ratio .
Options
- A
- B
- C
- D
Correct answer
A.
Step-by-step solution
Let the distance between the wires be . The magnetic field at the midway point due to a long straight wire carrying current is .
When the currents are in the same direction, the magnetic fields at the midway point oppose each other. Since , the net magnetic field is:
When the direction of is reversed, the currents are in opposite directions, and their magnetic fields at the midway point add up:
Dividing the two equations, we get:
When the currents are in the same direction, the magnetic fields at the midway point oppose each other. Since , the net magnetic field is:
When the direction of is reversed, the currents are in opposite directions, and their magnetic fields at the midway point add up:
Dividing the two equations, we get: