Proving an expression / help with defining electric current

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the initial speed of two parallel conducting wires influenced by a charged capacitor in an electrical circuit. The expression for the initial speed, given by v0=(μ0Q02)/(4πλRCd), incorporates variables such as linear mass density (λ), capacitance (C), and electrical resistance (R). Participants emphasize the importance of considering the RC time constant for the current decay and suggest starting with an expression for current I(t) to relate it to the force per unit length acting on the wires. The correct manipulation of the equations is crucial for arriving at the desired solution.

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  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, specifically the force between current-carrying wires.
  • Familiarity with capacitor discharge and RC time constant concepts.
  • Knowledge of basic calculus for manipulating equations involving current and force.
  • Proficiency in using the Biot-Savart law and Ampère's law for magnetic field calculations.
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ztalira
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Homework Statement


http://imgur.com/AotzH28
Two long, straight conducting wires with linear mass density λ are suspended from cords so that they are each horizontal, parallel to each other, and a distance d apart. The back ends of the wires are connected to each other by a slack,low-resistance conducting wire. A charged capacitor ( capacitance C) is now added to the system; the positive plate of the capacitor(initial charge +Q) is now connected to the front end of one of the wires, and the negative plate (initial charge -Q) is connected to the other end of the wire. Both of these connections are also made of slack, low-resistance wires. when the connection is made, the wires are pushed aside by the repulsive force between the wires,and each wire has an initial velocity of magnitude V0
Assume that the time constant for the capacitor to discharge in negligible compared to the time it takes for any displacement in the position of the wires to occur.

a) Show that the initial speed of either wire is given by
v0=(μ0Q02)/(4πλRCd)

Homework Equations


F=ILB
B=(μ0I)/(2πr)

The Attempt at a Solution


F=ILB
F/L=IB
F/L=(μ0I2)/(2πr)

But here's where I'm stuck.
I tried working it out from here and the answer ends up being wrong.
The next step is
F/L=(μ0I2)/(4πr)
which is gotten from isolating I2/2 and putting it back into the equation, but I don't see how that's exactly done.
Any tips?
 
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I see that the given solution has an R in it. Presumably this is the electrical resistance of the wire path. This leads me to believe that you're meant to consider that the current decays over some short time dictated by the RC time constant.

Why not start by writing an expression for ##I(t)##. Incorporate that into your expression for the force per unit length on the wires. Then think about how you might turn that force per unit length into an acceleration.
 

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