Final answer:
The magnetic force per unit length between two infinitely long parallel wires carrying 5 A currents in opposite directions and separated by 10 cm is 5 * 10−3 N/m, and they will attract each other.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the magnetic force between two infinitely long parallel wires carrying current. According to Ampère's force law, the force per unit length between two parallel currents 'I1' and 'I2', separated by a distance 'r', is given by the equation:
FL = (µ0 * I1 * I2) / (2π * r)
where:
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- µ0 is the magnetic constant (µ0 = 4π * 10−7 T·m/A),
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- I1 and I2 are the currents in the wires,
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- r is the separation between the wires.
In this instance, the wires carry currents of 5 A in opposite directions and are separated by a distance of 10 cm (0.1 m). Plugging these values into the equation:
FL = (4π * 10−7 T·m/A) * 5 A * 5 A / (2π * 0.1 m) = (20 * 10−7 N/m) * (25 / 0.1)
Calculating the value:
FL = 5 * 10−3 N/m
Therefore, the magnetic force per unit length is 5 * 10−3 Newtons per meter. Since the currents are in opposite directions, they will attract each other.