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: 4b

Answer

The magnitude of $i_2$ should be greater than the magnitude of $i_1$

Work Step by Step

We can write the expression for the magnetic field produced by a current in a straight wire: $B = \frac{\mu_0~i}{2~\pi~R}$ Note that $R$ is the distance of the point from the wire. For the net magnetic field to be zero, the magnetic field at point $P$ due to $i_2$ must be equal in magnitude to the magnetic field at point $P$ due to $i_1$ Since $i_2$ is a greater distance from point $P$, the magnitude of $i_2$ should be greater than the magnitude of $i_1$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.