Answer:
The amount of current that must flow through the wire for it to be suspended against gravity by magnetic force = 6.125 A
Explanation:
Force on a wire carrying current in an electric field is given by
F = (B)(I)(L) sin θ
For this question,
The magnetic force must match the weight of the wire.
F = mg
mg = (B)(I)(L) sin θ
(m/L)g = (B)(I) sin θ
Mass per unit length = 75 g/m = 0.075 kg/m
B = magnetic field = 0.12 T
I = ?
g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s
θ = angle between wire's current direction and magnetic field = 90°
0.075 × 9.8 = 0.12 × I sin 90°
I = 0.075 × 9.8/0.12 = 6.125 A
