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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving forces in a system of wires, specifically analyzing tension, reaction forces, and angles in relation to mass and gravitational forces. The original poster attempts to derive a formula for current based on these relationships but questions the correctness of the answer key provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationships between tension, angles, and forces, with the original poster presenting a series of equations. Some participants question the setup, particularly the angle used in the calculations, while others clarify the interpretation of the angle in relation to the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion has evolved with participants providing clarifications on the angle used in the equations. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the answer key, but there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the calculations or the answer provided.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a specific answer from the textbook that the original poster does not understand, indicating a potential discrepancy between their calculations and the provided solution. The discussion also reflects on the assumptions made regarding angles in the problem setup.

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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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