Question:medium

Two long straight wires A and B carrying equal current 'I' were kept parallel to each other at distance ' d ' apart. Magnitude of magnetic force experienced by length \(L\) of wire A is ' \(F\) '. If the distance between the wires is made half and currents are doubled, force \(F_2\) on length \(L\) of wire A will be

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Force \(\propto \frac{I^2}{d}\), so check both current and distance changes.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
  • \(2F\)
  • \(F\)
  • \(8F\)
  • \(4F\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Two parallel current-carrying wires exert a magnetic force on each other. The force per unit length depends on the product of the currents and is inversely proportional to the separation distance.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The force \(F\) on a length \(L\) of a wire is: \[ F = \frac{\mu_0 I_1 I_2 L}{2\pi d} \] Since initial currents are equal: \(F \propto \frac{I^2}{d}\).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let the initial force be \(F \propto \frac{I^2}{d}\).
According to the problem, the new conditions are: 1. Currents are doubled: \(I'_1 = 2I\), \(I'_2 = 2I\). 2. Distance is halved: \(d' = d/2\). Let the new force be \(F_2\): \[ F_2 = \frac{\mu_0 (2I) (2I) L}{2\pi (d/2)} \] Factor out the constants: \[ F_2 = \frac{\mu_0 \cdot 4I^2 \cdot L}{2\pi d / 2} = \frac{\mu_0 \cdot 4I^2 \cdot L \cdot 2}{2\pi d} \] \[ F_2 = 8 \times \left( \frac{\mu_0 I^2 L}{2\pi d} \right) \] \[ F_2 = 8F \] Step 4: Final Answer:
The new force \(F_2\) will be \(8F\).
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