Calculating current in parallel wire

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the current in a second parallel wire influenced by a first wire carrying a current of 14.9A, which exerts a force per unit length of 8.50×10-4N/m at a distance of 6.20cm. The correct formula to determine the current in the second wire (I2) is derived from the equation F/ΔL = μ0I1I2/2πr. The user initially misapplied the formula, leading to incorrect results. The correct calculation yields I2 = 2.7926e-11 A, emphasizing the importance of accurate arithmetic in physics problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic force between parallel wires
  • Familiarity with the Biot-Savart Law
  • Knowledge of the permeability of free space (μ0)
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
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  • Review the Biot-Savart Law and its applications in calculating magnetic fields
  • Study the concept of electromagnetic force between parallel conductors
  • Practice problems involving the calculation of currents in parallel wires
  • Explore the implications of the permeability of free space in electromagnetic theory
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Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of current interaction in parallel wires.

djaziria
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Homework Statement



A vertical straight wire carrying an upward 14.9A current exerts an attractive force per unit length of 8.50×10-4N/m on a second parallel wire 6.20cm away. What is the magnitude of the current that flows in the second wire?

Homework Equations



I2=2pir*F/I1*4pi e-7

The Attempt at a Solution



I2=2pi(.062)*8.5e-4/14.9*4pi e-7
I2=2.7926e-11

I keep getting ridiculous numbers and I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong...help?!
 
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I think you got your equation slightly off.
Starting with F/\DeltaL=\mu0I1I2/2pi*r, I ended up with
I2=(F/\DeltaL)(2pi*r/\mu0I1).
 
Check your own arithmetic. The exponents indicate you screwed up the division.

Do the basic checks before running for help.
 

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