Two long parallel wires 79.4 cm apart are carrying currents of 12.6 A and 28.1 A in the opposite direction.What is the magnitude of the magnetic field halfway between the wires?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnetic field due to each wire at a point midway between them can be calculated using the formula:
B = (μ0/4π) * (2I/d)
Where μ0 is the permeability of free space, I is the current, and d is the distance between the wires.

At the midpoint, the magnetic field due to each wire is:
B1 = (μ0/4π) * (2*12.6 A/0.794 m) = 1.00E-5 T
B2 = (μ0/4π) * (2*28.1 A/0.794 m) = 2.25E-5 T

Since the currents are in opposite directions, the net magnetic field at the midpoint is the difference between the two fields:
Bnet = B2 - B1 = 1.25E-5 T

Therefore, the magnitude of the magnetic field halfway between the wires is 2.05E-5 T, which is closest to option C.

Two Long Parallel Wires 79