Calculate Magnetic Force and Currents | Magnitude Question-Help

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The discussion revolves around calculating the currents in two conductors given the magnetic force between them. The magnetic force is specified as 2.85X10^-5 N, with one current being twice the other. Participants express confusion about how to use the relationship between the currents in the magnetic force equation. They attempt various substitutions and calculations but struggle to arrive at the correct values of 1.18 A and 2.36 A for the currents. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of correctly applying the formula and substituting values accurately to solve for the unknown currents.
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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 I_1 and the other current I_2

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 I_1 and the other current I_2



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

F=\frac{\mu_0 I_1 I_2 l}{2 \pi d}

and that I_1=2I_2

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 I_1=2I_2 and you put that into the formula, I_2 \times I_2 =(I_2)^2
 
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 (I_2)^2 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
\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}

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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