Question

The distance between two parallel wires carrying currents of 10 A and 20 A is 10 cm. Determine the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force acting per unit length of the wires if the currents are carried in the same direction.

Answer 1

Explanation:

It is given that,

Current in wire 1, I₁ = 10 A

Current in wire 2, I₂ = 20 A

Distance between wires, d = 10 cm = 0.1 m

Force per unit length is given by :

$\dfrac{F}{l}=\dfrac{\mu_oI_1I_2}{2\pi r}$

$\dfrac{F}{l}=\dfrac{4\pi \times 10^{-7}\times 10\times 20}{2\pi \times 0.1}$

$\dfrac{F}{l}=0.0004\ N/m$

$\dfrac{F}{l}=4\times 10^{-4}\ N/m$

So, the magnetic force acting per unit length of the wires $4\times 10^{-4}\ N/m$. Since, the current is in same direction. So, the force is attractive in nature.