A very long conducting wire is bent in a semi-circular shape from A to B as shown in figure. The magnetic field at point P for steady current configuration is given by : [figure]
- 0 i4R pointed away from the page
- 0 i4R [1 - 2 ] pointed away from page
- 0 i4R [1 - 2 ] pointed into the page
- 0 i4R pointed into the page
Answer
(2) 0 i4R [1 - 2 ] pointed away from page
Solution
P is the centre of the semicircle AB; each straight wire is semi-infinite and ends at A or B, the foot of the perpendicular from P.
Semicircle (current from A to B round the left, i.e. anticlockwise): B1 = 0 i4R, out of the page.
Upper wire (current towards A, P below it): B2 = 0 i4 R, into the page.
Lower wire (current away from B, P above it): B3 = 0 i4 R, into the page.
Bnet = 0 i4R - 2 0 i4 R
Bnet = 0 i4R [1 - 2 ], pointed away from the page (since 1 > 2 ).
Answer: (2)