How Is the Magnetic Field Calculated to Levitate a Wire Carrying Current?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the magnetic field necessary to levitate a current-carrying wire. The problem involves a wire with a specified mass and current, and participants are exploring the principles of magnetic forces acting on the wire.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to determine the direction and magnitude of the magnetic field needed to counteract the weight of the wire. Questions are raised about the principles and formulas involved, particularly relating to the force on a current-carrying wire and its relationship to the wire's mass.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the relevant equations, with some participants providing references to the Lorentz force and discussing the relationship between force, current, and magnetic fields. Clarifications about the variables involved are being sought, but no consensus has emerged yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem, including the specific parameters of the wire and the need to relate magnetic force to gravitational force. There is mention of confusion regarding the use of certain equations and terms, such as the distinction between length and inductance.

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Homework Statement



A straight piece of wire of mass 0.0050 kg and length 0.600 m lies horizontally and carries an electrical current of I = 0.800 A in the direction E to W . What is the direction and magnitude of the magnetic field required to produce an upward force on the wire that exactly cancels its weight?

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



The direction is South and the magnitude of the magnetic field is 0.102 T. How did they calculate this? What principles and formulas are required here? :confused:
 
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Okay. Using this equation for force on a segment of current-carrying wire in a uniform magnetic fields F=ILxB, how would you relate this to the mass of the wire?
 
And how can I work out the inductance L? All the equations I know for L are for a solenoid...
 
You may have figured this already, but F = I (L x B) where F=ma & 'L' is length (not inductance)
 

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