The figure given below shows a long straight solid wire of circular cross-section of radius 'a' carrying steady current I. The current I is uniformly distributed across its cross-section. The plot which correctly represents the variation of magnetic field (B) with distance (r) from the axis of the conductor in the region is : [figure]
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Answer
(3) [figure]
Solution
Inside (r < a): current enclosed = I r2 a2 = I r2a2
Ampere's law: B(2 r) = 0 I r2a2 ⇒ B = 0 I r2 a2 ∴ B r (straight line from the origin)
Outside (r ≥ a): B(2 r) = 0 I ⇒ B = 0 I2 r ∴ B 1r (falls off)
At r = a both give Bmax = 0 I2 a ⇒ B is continuous with a peak at r = a: graph (3).
Answer: (3)