Force on Current Carrying Conductor | Physics Class 12 - NEET PDF Download

3. FIELD DUE TO A STRAIGHT CURRENT CARRYING WIRE

3.1 WHEN THE WIRE IS OF FINITE LENGTH

Consider a straight wire segment carrying a current i and there is a point P at which magnetic field to be calculated as shown in the figure. This wire segment makes angle θ₁ and θ₂ at that point with normal OP. Consider an element of length dy at a distance y from O and distance of this element from point P is r and line joining P to Q makes an angle q with the direction of current as shown in figure. Using Biot-Savart Law magnetic field at point P due to small current element is given by

As every element of the wire contributes to  in the same direction, we have 

 ....(i)

From the triangle OPQ as shown in diagram, we have

y = d tan 

or dy = d sec²d

and is same triangle,

r = d sec and q = (90º - ), where is angle between line OP and PQ

Now equation (i) can be written in this form

or  ...(3)

Note : θ₁ & θ₂ must be taken with sign

For the case shown in figure

B at A = 

Direction of : The direction of magnetic field is determined by the cross product of the vector  with . Therefore, at point P, the direction of the magnetic field due to the whole conductor will be perpendicular to the plane of paper and going into the plane.

Right-hand Thumb Rule : The direction of B at a point P due to a long, straight wire can be found by the right-hand thumb rule. The direction of magnetic field is perpendicular to the plane containing wire and perpendicular from the point. The orientation of magnetic field is given by the direction of curl fingers if we stretch thumb along the wire in the direction of current. Refer figure.

Conventionally, the direction of the field perpendicular to the plane of the paper is represented by  if into the page and by if out of the page.

Now consider some special cases involving the application of equation (3)

Case 1 : When the point P is on the perpendicular bisector

In this case angle θ₁ = θ₂, using result of equation (3), the magnetic field is

where 

Case - 2

(i) If the wire is infinitely long then the magnetic field at `P' (as shown in the figure) is given by (using q<sub>1</sub> = q<sub>2</sub> = 90° and the formula `B' due to straight wire)

B =  ⇒ B µ    

The direction of  at various is as shown in the figure. The magnetic lines of force will be concentric circles around the wire (as shown earlier)

(ii) If the wire is infinitely long but `P' is as shown in the figure. The direction of at various points is as shown in the figure. At `P'

B = 

Case III : When the point lies along the length of wire (but not on it)

If the point P is along the length of the wire (but not one it), then as  and  will either be parallel or antiparallel, i.e., q = 0 or p, so and hence using equation (1)

Ex-1 Calculate the magnetic field induction at a point distance,  metre from a straight wire of length `a' metre carrying a current of i amp. The point is on the perpendicular bisector of the wire.

Sol. B =  [sinq₁ + sinq₂]

= 10^-7                      

= 

Perpendicular to the plane of figure (inward).

Ex.2 Find resultant magnetic field at `C' in the figure shown.

Sol. It is clear that `B' at `C' due all the wires is directed Ä. Also B at `C due PQ and SR is same. Also due to QR and PS is same

Therefore, B_res = 2(B_PQ + B_SP)

B_PQ = (sin 60° + sin 60°)

B_SP =  (sin 30° + sin 30°)

⇒ B_res =  = 

Ex.3 Figure shows a square loop made from a uniform wire. Find the magnetic field at the centre of the square if a battery is connected between the points A and C.

Sol. The current will be equally divided at A. The fields at the centre due to the currents in the wires AB and DC will be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. The resultant of these two fields will be zero. Similarly, the resultant of the fields due to the wires AD and BC will be zero. Hence, the net field at the centre will be zero.

Ex.4 In the figure shown there are two parallel long wires (placed in the plane of paper) are carrying currents 2 I and I consider points A, C, D on the line perpendicular to both the wires and also in the plane of the paper. The distances are mentioned.

Find (i)  at A, C, D

(ii) position of point on line A C D where  is zero.

Sol. (i) Let us call  due to (1) and (2) as  and  respectively. Then

at A :  is  and  is 

B₁ =  and B₂ = 

Therefore, B_res = B₁ - B₂ =   Ans.

at C:  is  and  also 

Therefore, B_res = B₁ + B₂ = 

 +  =  =   Ans.

Therefore, B_res = 0 Ans.

(ii) It is clear from the above solution that B = 0 at point `D'.