Two very long

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism · Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetism · Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetism

Problem

Two very long, straight, parallel conductors carry steady currents in the same direction. The currents are

I_1 = 10\,\text{A}

and

I_2 = 20\,\text{A}

, and the conductors are separated by

10\,\text{cm}

. A point P is located on the line joining the conductors at a distance

x

from the conductor carrying current

I_1

. (i) Obtain an equation in

x

for the condition that the net magnetic field at P is zero. (ii) Solve the equation to find the value of

x

. (iii) State on which side of the conductor carrying

I_1

this point lies and give a brief justification.