Calculate Magnetic Force and Currents | Magnitude Question-Help

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the currents in two conductors based on the magnetic force between them. The conductors are 4.00m long and separated by 8.00cm, with a given magnetic force of 2.85X10^-5 N. One current is stated to be twice the other.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the two currents and express confusion about how to use this relationship in the context of the magnetic force equation. There are attempts to substitute one current into the equation, but uncertainty remains about the calculations and setup.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, attempting to substitute values into the magnetic force equation and checking each other's calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the substitution of one current for the other, but discrepancies in results indicate ongoing exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be confusion regarding the calculations and the correct application of the formula, with participants noting that their results do not match the expected answers. The relationship between the currents is clearly defined, but the application in the equation is under scrutiny.

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Homework Statement



The magnitude of the magnetic force between two conductors 4.00m long, separated by 8.00cm is, 2.85X10^-5 N. The current in one conductor is twice the current in the other. Calculate both currents.

Given: FM = 2.85X10^-5 N
l = 4.00m
Mo = 4pie X10^-7
d = 0.08m
I2 = 2(I1)
I1 = ?

Homework Equations


F2/l = Mo(I1)(I2)/2pie(d)



The Attempt at a Solution


Couldnt really understand how I am supposed to find one of the currents when i don't know either of them, if i knew one i could find it easily.
 
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Bradsteeves said:
The magnitude of the magnetic force between two conductors 4.00m long, separated by 8.00cm is, 2.85X10^-5 N. The current in one conductor is twice the current in the other. Calculate both currents.
Call one current [itex]I_1[/itex] and the other current [itex]I_2[/itex]

Bradsteeves said:
Couldnt really understand how I am supposed to find one of the currents when i don't know either of them, if i knew one i could find it easily.

They directly told you how to relate one current to the other.
 
rock.freak667 said:
Call one current [itex]I_1[/itex] and the other current [itex]I_2[/itex]



They directly told you how to relate one current to the other.

Um yes they told me but I am not sure how I am supposed to use that in the equation when i still don't know either of the actual currents. How am I supposed to set up the equation knowing one current is twice the other current?
 
If

[tex]F=\frac{\mu_0 I_1 I_2 l}{2 \pi d}[/tex]

and that [itex]I_1=2I_2[/itex]

can you substitute that into the equation and then solve?
 
Well all I can get from that is that it would be Mo2(I2)(I2)(l)/2pie(d) and the I2's would cancel out so ur left with F = Mo(2)(l)/2pie(d) but then how can i solve for I? I put in the values into that equation and did not end up with the correct answer
 
if [itex]I_1=2I_2[/itex] and you put that into the formula, [itex]I_2 \times I_2 =(I_2)^2[/itex]
 
Ok so then F=Mo(2)(I2)^2(l)/2pie(d) plug in 2.85X10^-5 for F, plug in 4pieX10^-7 for Mo, plug in 4 for l and plug in 0.08 for d. I calculated and ended up with 1.19 X10^-7, the answer is supposed to be 1.18 and 2.36
 
Bradsteeves said:
Ok so then F=Mo(2)(I2)^2(l)/2pie(d) plug in 2.85X10^-5 for F, plug in 4pieX10^-7 for Mo, plug in 4 for l and plug in 0.08 for d. I calculated and ended up with 1.19 X10^-7, the answer is supposed to be 1.18 and 2.36

Then you plugged in the values wrongly or calculated wrong. I got close to those answers.
Make [itex](I_2)^2[/itex] the subject and then plug in the values.
 
Ok I tried that so its (I2)^2 on one side so it would be = to F(2pie x d)/Mo(2)(l) which still equalled 1.19X10^-7 so i don't know how or what way u used to get it
 
  • #10
[tex]\frac{2\pi Fd}{2 \mu l}= \frac{2.85 \times 10^{-5} \times 2\pi \times 0.08}{2\times 4\pi \times 10^{-7} \times 4}[/tex]

Did you find that?
 
Last edited:
  • #11
That equals 2.85
 
  • #12
Bradsteeves said:
That equals 2.85

No I get 1.425
 

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