Question
Question: An element \[\overrightarrow{dl}=dx\hat{i}\](where \(dx\)=1cm) is placed at origin and carries a cur...
An element dl=dxi^(where dx=1cm) is placed at origin and carries a current 10A. What is the magnetic field on y- axis at a dist. of 0.5m?
(A) 2×10−8k^T
(B) 4×10−8k^T
(C) −2×10−8k^T
(D) −4×10−8k^T
Solution
We’re provided an element that produces a stable electric current of 10A. We know that such an element is capable of producing a magnetic field. The properties of this generated field is best explained by Biot-Savart law, hence, we use the same law to find the answer for this question.
Formulas used:
Biot Savart Law: B=4πμ0r3Idlr, where Bthe magnetic field due to the element dlof a wire that carries current I. r is the distance between the element and the point, and r is a unit vector that points from dlto our point.
μ0 is the permeability of free space and its exact value is μ0=4π×10−7T⋅m/A
Complete step by step answer:
This question refers to the magnetic field on the Y-axis which depends on the distance of Y-axis
We’re given in the question that,
dl=dxi^= 10−2m
I=10A
r = 0.5 m
From Biot-Savart’s law,
B=4πμ0r3Idl×r
⇒dl×r=dxi^+dyj⌢
=ydx(i^+j⌢)
=ydx(k⌢)
Hence, the direction of Bis in the z-direction.
dB=4πμ0r2Idlsinθ
=4π4π×10−7×0.5×0.510×1×10−2×sin90∘T
(θ=90∘, since the axis of the element and y-axis are perpendicular to each other )
Hence, dB=4×10−8T
The correct answer among the four is option B.
Note: Such an approximation in Biot-Savart law is feasible only when the length of the line segment is very small compared to the distance from the current element to the point. Else, the integral form of Biot-Savart law is to be used over the entire line segment to calculate the magnetic field.