A square loop ABCD carrying a current i, is placed near and coplanar with a long straight conductor XY carrying a current I, the net force on the loop will be [figure]
- 2 0 IiL3
- 0 IiL2
- 2 0 Ii3
- 0 Ii2
Answer
(3) 2 0 Ii3
Solution
Force on a length l of a wire carrying current i, parallel to a long wire with current I at distance r: F = 0 I i l2 r
Forces on BC and DA are equal and opposite, so they cancel.
Side AB (current parallel to I) at r = L2 is attracted:
FAB = 0 I i L2 (L/2) = 0 I i (towards XY)
Side CD (current opposite to I) at r = 3L2 is repelled:
FCD = 0 I i L2 (3L/2) = 0 I i3 (away from XY)
Fnet = 0 I i - 0 I i3
= 2 0 I i3 (attraction towards XY)
Answer: (3)