Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 29 - Magnetic Fields Due to Currents - Questions - Page 855: 2

Answer

We can rank the electrons according to the magnitudes of the magnetic forces on them due to current $i$: $(1) \gt (3) = (4) \gt (2)$

Work Step by Step

We can write the expression for the magnetic field produced by a current in a straight wire: $B = \frac{\mu_0~i}{2~\pi~R}$ By the right hand rule, the magnetic field below the wire is directed into the page. We can write an expression for the force on the electron: $F = qv \times B$ Electron 2 is moving into the page, so $q \times B = 0$ Electron 1 is closer to the wire than electron 3 and electron 4, so the magnitude of $B$ is greater. Electron 3 and electron 4 are the same distance from the wire, so the magnitude of $B$ is equal at these two points. Also they are both moving perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field. We can rank the electrons according to the magnitudes of the magnetic forces on them due to current $i$: $(1) \gt (3) = (4) \gt (2)$
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