Two parallel wires are each carrying 10 A and are separated by 4.0 m. If the currents are in opposite directions, what is the magnitude of the magnetic field halfway between them?
A) 0.0
B) 1.0 μT
C) 2.0 μT
D) 4.0 μT
E) 1.4 μT

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the formula for the magnetic field between two parallel wires carrying currents in opposite directions, we have:

B = μ0I/2πd

where μ0 is the permeability of free space, I is the current, and d is the distance between the wires. Plugging in the given values, we get:

B = (4π×10⁻⁷ T·m/A) × 10 A / (2π × 2 m)

B = 2×10⁻⁶ T = 2 μT

Therefore, the magnitude of the magnetic field halfway between the wires is 2.0 μT, so the best choice is C.

Two Parallel Wires Are Each Carrying 10 a and Are