Question

1.5-m length of straight wire experiences a maximum force of 1.2 N when in a uniform magnetic field that is 1.8 T. 1) What current must be passing through it? (Express your answer to two significant figures.)

Answer 1

The current that must be passing through the wire is 0.444 A

Step-by-step explanation:

Given data:

L = length of straight wire = 1.5 m

F = force = 1.2 N

B = magnetic field = 1.8 T

The force in a straight wire is equal to:

`F=ILB\\I=(F)/(LB) =(1.2)/(1.5*1.8) =0.444A`

Answer 2

I = 0.44 A

Step-by-step explanation:

The magnetic force on a conductor is given by the expression

F = I L x B

Where bold letters indicate vectors, I is the current, L is the vector in the direction of the current, and B is the magnetic field

Since the force is maximum, the wire must be perpendicular to the magnetic field, therefore

F = I L B sin 90

I = F / L B

Let's calculate

I = 1.2 / 1.5 1.8

I = 0.44 A