Two infinitely long, straight, parallel wires are 6 cm apart, carrying currents 2 A and 4 A, respectively, in the same direction. A third infinitely long, straight wire, parallel to the other two, and carrying a current I, lies between the two wires. Find the equilibrium position(s) of this wire.

Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
5th Edition
ISBN:9781133104261
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Chapter22: Magnetic Forces And Magnetic Fields
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 42P
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**Problem Statement:**

Two infinitely long, straight, parallel wires are 6 cm apart, carrying currents 2 A and 4 A, respectively, in the same direction. A third infinitely long, straight wire, parallel to the other two, and carrying a current I, lies between the two wires. Find the equilibrium position(s) of this wire.

**Explanation:**

The problem involves three parallel wires carrying electrical currents. Two of these wires are separated by a distance of 6 cm and carry currents of 2 A and 4 A in the same direction. The task is to determine the position(s) where the third wire, also carrying a current, remains in equilibrium between the two given wires.

**Considerations:**

- **Magnetic Forces:** The magnetic force between two current-carrying wires depends on the distance between them and the magnitude of the currents. Wires carrying currents in the same direction attract each other, whereas those with currents in opposite directions repel.

- **Equilibrium Condition:** The third wire must be positioned such that the net magnetic force acting upon it is zero. This will be achieved when the attractive and repulsive forces are balanced.

**Steps to Solve:**

To find the equilibrium position, equate the forces acting on the third wire due to its interactions with each of the two given wires. Consider the proportionality of the forces to the currents and distances, and solve for the position where these forces equalize.

This problem involves understanding electromagnetic interactions and concepts of forces between current-carrying wires as described by Ampère's force law.
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem Statement:** Two infinitely long, straight, parallel wires are 6 cm apart, carrying currents 2 A and 4 A, respectively, in the same direction. A third infinitely long, straight wire, parallel to the other two, and carrying a current I, lies between the two wires. Find the equilibrium position(s) of this wire. **Explanation:** The problem involves three parallel wires carrying electrical currents. Two of these wires are separated by a distance of 6 cm and carry currents of 2 A and 4 A in the same direction. The task is to determine the position(s) where the third wire, also carrying a current, remains in equilibrium between the two given wires. **Considerations:** - **Magnetic Forces:** The magnetic force between two current-carrying wires depends on the distance between them and the magnitude of the currents. Wires carrying currents in the same direction attract each other, whereas those with currents in opposite directions repel. - **Equilibrium Condition:** The third wire must be positioned such that the net magnetic force acting upon it is zero. This will be achieved when the attractive and repulsive forces are balanced. **Steps to Solve:** To find the equilibrium position, equate the forces acting on the third wire due to its interactions with each of the two given wires. Consider the proportionality of the forces to the currents and distances, and solve for the position where these forces equalize. This problem involves understanding electromagnetic interactions and concepts of forces between current-carrying wires as described by Ampère's force law.
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