A wire carrying a current I along the positive x-axis has length L. It is kept in a magnetic field B=(2i^+3j^−4k^) T. The magnitude of the magnetic force acting on the wire is:
A
3IL
B
3IL
C
5IL
D
5IL
Step-by-Step Solution
Identify Formula: The magnetic force F exerted on a straight wire of length L carrying current I in a magnetic field B is given by the cross product:
F=I(L×B)
Define Vectors:The wire lies along the positive x-axis, so the length vector is L=Li^. The magnetic field is given as B=2i^+3j^−4k^.
Calculate Cross Product:
Substitute the vectors into the formula:
F=I[(Li^)×(2i^+3j^−4k^)]
Distribute the cross product (recall i^×i^=0, i^×j^=k^, and i^×k^=−j^):
F=I[L(2)(i^×i^)+L(3)(i^×j^)−L(4)(i^×k^)]F=I[0+3L(k^)−4L(−j^)]F=I(3Lk^+4Lj^)=IL(4j^+3k^)
Calculate Magnitude:
The magnitude of the force vector ∣F∣ is:
∣F∣=IL42+32∣F∣=IL16+9=IL25∣F∣=5IL
Practice Mode Available
Master this Topic on Sushrut
Join thousands of students and practice with AI-generated mock tests.