What current will allow the wire to float ?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the current required for an upper wire to "float" between two lower wires, given their linear mass density and the forces acting on them. The context includes concepts from electromagnetism and mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the magnetic forces generated by the currents in the wires and the gravitational force acting on the upper wire. There are attempts to derive equations for these forces and questions about how to relate linear mass density to gravitational force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations related to the gravitational force based on linear mass density, while others are exploring how to equate this force to the magnetic force between the wires. There is an acknowledgment of the large current value obtained in calculations, prompting further discussion about its feasibility.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of the linear mass density and the need for significant current to achieve the desired equilibrium. There is uncertainty regarding the calculations and assumptions made about the forces involved.

Xaspire88
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What current will allow the wire to "float"?

The linked image is a cross section through three long wires with linear mass density 50 g/m. They each carry equal currents in the directions shown. The lower two wires are 4.0 cm apart and are attached to a table. What current I will allow the upper wire to "float" so as to form an equilateral triangle with the lower wires?

The force that the upper wire feels is a combined force from the two other wires and the normal force of gravity. I am just not sure how to calculate the normal force of gravity with the linear mass density. Also the current that is needed will have to produce a magnetic field that combined equals the force downward on the wire from gravity, correct?

The equation for the force between two wires carrying identical currents with an unknown length is
F/L= ([tex]\mu[/tex]I)/([tex]\mu[/tex]r)

For gravity

F= m*9.8m/s

i have a linear mass density of 50g/m.. I can take and divide both sides by L to get

F/L = (m*9.8m/s)/L but I'm afraid that doesn't help me.. Hmmm. Ill keep trying. Please any hints are helpful
 
Last edited:
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Please Help me out. I am missing something but i can't seem to connect the dots
 
If you have a linear density of M kg/m then you have a force of 9.8M N/m.
So F=9.8*0.05 N/m= 0.49N/m
 
so then i can set that force equal to the force between the wires and solve for I.
I get a value of 49kA when i do this.. this seems like a lot but it would also seem that an enormous amount of current would be needed to overcome the force of gravity. let me know what you think.
 

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