Question

A current carrying straight wire AB is shown in the given diagram. Out of X, Y and Z on which point will the strength of magnetic field be maximum and why?

Hint:

For a straight wire, magnetic field is maximum at points on the perpendicular bisector (same distance from both ends). Field strength decreases as we move toward the ends.

Answer 1

Magnetic Field Around a Current Carrying Straight Wire:

A straight current-carrying conductor produces magnetic field lines in the form of concentric circles around the wire. The strength of the magnetic field at a point depends on its distance from the wire.

The formula for magnetic field (B) at a distance r from a long straight conductor is:

B ∝ 1 / r

This means that the magnetic field strength is inversely proportional to the distance from the wire. The closer the point is to the wire, the stronger the magnetic field.

Analysis of Points X, Y, and Z:

In the given diagram, points X, Y, and Z lie at increasing distances from the current-carrying wire AB.

– Point X is closest to the wire.
– Point Y is farther than X.
– Point Z is farthest from the wire.

Since magnetic field strength decreases with increasing distance:

Magnetic field is maximum at point X.

Reason:
The magnetic field around a straight conductor is strongest near the wire and decreases as we move away from it. Therefore, among X, Y, and Z, point X experiences the maximum magnetic field.

Conclusion:
The strength of the magnetic field will be maximum at point X because it is closest to the current-carrying wire and magnetic field strength is inversely proportional to distance.