Two infinitely long parallel conducting wires A and B carry currents I and 2I, respectively, in the same direction. The wire A has uniform mass per unit length and lies on an insulated floor. The wire B is kept fixed at a height h above the floor. The minimum magnitude of h so that the wire A does not rise from the floor is: [g is the acceleration due to gravity and 0 is the permeability of free space.]
- 4 0 I2 g
- 0 I22 g
- 0 I2 g
- 2 0 I2 g
Answer
(3) 0 I2 g
Solution
The currents are in the same direction, so the magnetic force per unit length on wire A is attractive (directed upwards towards wire B):
FmL = 0 IA IB2 h = 0 I (2I)2 h = 0 I2 h
The downward gravitational force per unit length on wire A is:
FgL = g
For wire A not to rise from the floor:
FmL FgL 0 I2 h g h 0 I2 g
Thus, the minimum magnitude of h is 0 I2 g.
Answer: (3)