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bcjochim07
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Homework Statement
Three wires have linear density of 50 g/m. They each carry the same current. The bottom two are 4 cm apart and carry currents into the page. What current I will allow the third wire to float so as to form an equilateral triangle with the other two?
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
I think I am really close, but I'm just concerned because I'm having some problems with magnetic field directions and components.
If I start with the magnetic field, I think that the y- components of the magnetic fields of the bottom two wires cancel. So the net B-field is:
2* cos(60) * (1.257*10-6)I / 2pi*.04 = (5*10^-6)I
F=IlBsin(theta) for the force on a current carrying wire
F= I^2 * (5*10-6) * l = (9.8)(.05)*l
I= 313A.
This isn't quite correct, however, I find that if I turn to forces first, and seeing that the bottom two have forces where the x-components cancel.
F = I^2 * l * (5*10-6)*sin(60) = .05*9.8l
I = 237 A This is correct. But I am confused by why the two give different answers.