Question

Assume that a lightning bolt can be represented by a long straight line of current. If 15.0 C of charge passes by in a time of 1.5·10-3s, what is the magnitude of the magnetic field at a distance of 23.0 m from the bolt?

Answer 1

Answer:

Magnetic field, $B=8.69\times 10^{-5}\ T$                                                                                                

Explanation:

Given that,

Charge, q = 15 C

Time taken, $t=1.5\times 10^{-3}\ s$

Distance from the blot, d = 23 m

Let I is the current. It is equal to the charge per unit time. It can be calculated as :

$I=\dfrac{q}{t}$

$I=\dfrac{15}{1.5\times 10^{-3}}$

I = 10000 A

The magnetic field at a distance d from the bolt is given by :

$B=\dfrac{\mu_oI}{2\pi d}$

$B=\dfrac{4\pi \times 10^{-7}\times 10000}{2\pi \times 23}$

$B=8.69\times 10^{-5}\ T$

So, the magnetic field at a distance of 23 m from the bolt is $8.69\times 10^{-5}\ T$. Hence, this is the required solution.