Question

Two wires are parallel but have current travelling in opposite directions. Wire 1 has a current of 3 A and wire 2 has a current of 7 A. If the wires are 2 cm apart, what is the force each wire experiences per unit length and what direction is the force?

Answer 1

The force each wire experiences per unit length and what direction is the force are 2.1 x 10⁻⁴ N and repulsive.

Step-by-step explanation:

given information:

the current of wire 1, I₁ = 3 A

the current of wire 2, I₂ = 7 A

the distance of two wire, r = 2 cm = 0.02 m

to find the force per unit length of each wire experience, we can use the

`(F)/(l)` = μ₀
`(I_(1)I_(2) )/(2\pi r)`

where

F = the magnetic force

I =current

r = the distance of the wire

μ₀ = permeability of vacuum (4π x 10⁻⁷ T.m/A)

thus,

`(F)/(l)` = μ₀
`(I_(1)I_(2) )/(2\pi r)`

= (4π x 10⁻⁷)
`((3)(7) )/(2\pi (0.02))`

= 2.1 x 10⁻⁴ N (Repulsive)