Answer:
The position on the y-axis where the magnetic field is zero is at y = 10 cm
Explanation:
The magnetic field B due to a long straight wire carrying a current, i at a distance R from the wire is given by
B = μ₀i/2πR
Now, let y be the point where the magnetic fields of both wires are equal.
So, the magnetic field due to wire 1 carrying current i₁ = 73 A is
B₁ = μ₀i₁/2π(y - 3) and
the magnetic field due to wire 2 carrying current i₂ = 31 A is
B₂ = μ₀i₂/2π(13 - y)
At the point where the magnetic field is zero, B₁ = B₂. So,
μ₀i₁/2π(y - 3) = μ₀i₂/2π(13 - y)
cancelling out μ₀ and 2π, we have
i₁/(x - y) = i₂/(13 - y)
cross-multiplying, we have
(13 - y)i₁ = (y - 3)i₂
Substituting the values of i₁ and i₂, we have
(13 - y)73 = (y - 3)31
949 - 73y = 31y - 93
Collecting like terms, we have
949 + 93 = 73y + 31y
1042 = 104y
dividing through by 104, we have
y = 1042/104
y = 10.02 cm
y ≅ 10 cm
So, the position on the y-axis where the magnetic field is zero is at y = 10 cm
