Question

Two long straight wires are parallel and 8.6 cm apart. They are to carry equal currents such that the magnetic field at a point halfway between them has magnitude 370 µT. (a) Should the currents be in the same or opposite directions? (b) How much current is needed?

Answer 1

Answer:

(a) The current should be in opposite direction

(b) The current needed is 39.8 A

Explanation:

Part (a)

Based, on right hand rule, the current should be in opposite direction

Part (b)

given;

strength of magnetic field, B = 370 µT

distance between the two parallel wires, d = 8.6 cm

$B = \frac{\mu_oI}{2\pi R}$

At the center, the magnetic field strength is twice

$B_c = 2(\frac{\mu_oI}{2\pi R}) =\frac{ \mu_oI}{\pi R}$

R = d/2 = 8.6/2 = 4.3 cm = 0.043 m

$B_c = \frac{ \mu_oI}{\pi R}\\\\I = \frac{B_c\pi R}{\mu_o} = \frac{370 *10^{-6}* \pi *0.043}{4\pi *10^{-7}}\\\\I = 39.8 \ A$

Therefore, current needed is 39.8 A