Question

Two power lines run parallel for a distance of 254 m and are separated by a distance of 40.0 cm. If the current in each of the two lines is 140 A and if they run in opposite directions, determine the magnitude and direction of the force each wire exerts on the other.

Answer 1

To solve this problem we will apply the concepts related to the electromagnetic force given between two cables. For this purpose we will consider the following mathematical relation,

`F = (\mu_0I_1I_2L)/((2\pi d))`

Here,

`\mu_0` = Permeability at free space

`I_(1,2)` = Current

L = Length

d = Distance between them

With our values we have,

`F = ((4\pi*10^(-7)) (140)(140) (254))/((2\pi (40*10^(-2))))`

`F = 2.4892N`

Therefore the force between the wires is 2.4892 N as the current flows in oposite direction, the force is away from each other.