I did everything right, but answer Key is wrong right?

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AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a physics problem involving forces and angles related to two wires. The user initially derives equations for tension and reaction forces but struggles to match their calculated current with the answer provided in the textbook. After some back-and-forth, the user realizes that the angle used in their calculations was incorrectly assumed, leading to confusion. Once the angle is corrected to θ/2, the user successfully arrives at the correct answer. The thread highlights the importance of accurately interpreting angles in physics problems.
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Homework Statement



[PLAIN]http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/4456/84684200.png

The Attempt at a Solution



http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/9151/11477498.th.png

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So from the symmetry I can conclude these

Tcos\phi= mg

Tsin\phi = F

F is the force (reaction force) exerted by the other wire. I am only looking at one of the wires

So I can solve for it in terms of force per mass and I get

gtan\phi = \frac{F}{m}

Now the reaction force is also

\vec{F} = I\vec{d} \times \vec{B}

Now I define \lambda = \frac{m}{d} and then d = \frac{m}{\lambda}

So now

\vec{F} = I\vec{d} \times \vec{B}

\frac{F}{d} = IB

\frac{F}{d} = I\frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi x}

Where x is the distance between the two wires and I had to use the law of cosine to get it

x = l\sqrt{2 - 2cos\theta}

\frac{F}{\frac{m}{\lambda} } = I\frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi x}

\lambda gtan\phi = \frac{\mu_0 I^2}{2\pi x}

Solving for I, I get

\sqrt{\frac{2\pi \lambda x gtan\phi}{\mu_0}}= I

The book gives me 67.8A, which I don't understand why

I also tried

\sqrt{\frac{2\pi x gtan\phi}{\mu_0 \lambda }}= I
 
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The angle between the vertical and the string is θ/2, so your first two equations are in error.
 
What do you mean θ/2? WHy did you cut it in half?
 
Oh wait, never mind I gotcha.
 
ahahaha i got the answer now!
 
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