Question:

A long straight wire in the horizontal plane carries a current of 50 A in north to south direction. Give the magnitude and direction of B at a point 2.5 m east of the wire.

Updated On: Sep 29, 2023
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Solution and Explanation

Current in the wire, \(I\) = 50 A
A point is 2.5 m away from the East of the wire.
Magnitude of the distance of the point from the wire, \(r\) = 2.5 m. 
Magnitude of the magnetic field at that point is given by the relation,
                                  \(|B|= \frac{μ_0}{4π}.\frac{2l}{r}\)
Where,
\(μ_0\) = Permeability of free space
   \(= 4π × 10^{–7 }T m A^{–1}\)
               \(|B| =\frac{4π × 10^{–7}}{4π }× \frac{2× 50}{2.5} = 4 × 10^{-6 }T\)
The point is located normal to the wire length at a distance of 2.5 m. The direction of the current in the wire is vertically downward. Hence, according to the Maxwell’s right hand thumb rule, the direction of the magnetic eld at the given point is vertically upward.
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Notes on Moving Charges and Magnetism

Concepts Used:

Biot Savart Law

Biot-Savart’s law is an equation that gives the magnetic field produced due to a current-carrying segment. This segment is taken as a vector quantity known as the current element. In other words, Biot-Savart Law states that if a current carrying conductor of length dl produces a magnetic field dB, the force on another similar current-carrying conductor depends upon the size, orientation and length of the first current carrying element. 

The equation of Biot-Savart law is given by,

\(dB = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} \frac{Idl sin \theta}{r^2}\)

Application of Biot Savart law

  • Biot Savart law is used to evaluate magnetic response at the molecular or atomic level.
  • It is used to assess the velocity in aerodynamic theory induced by the vortex line.

Importance of Biot-Savart Law

  • Biot-Savart Law is exactly similar to Coulomb's law in electrostatics.
  • Biot-Savart Law is relevant for very small conductors to carry current,
  • For symmetrical current distribution, Biot-Savart Law is applicable.

For detailed derivation on Biot Savart Law, read more