As shown in the figure, two infinitely long, identical wires are bent by 90∘ and placed in such a way that the segments LP and QM are along the x-axis, while segments PS and QN are parallel to the y-axis. If OP=OQ=4cm, and the magnitude of the magnetic field at O is 10−4T, and the two wires carry equal current (see figure), the magnitude of the current in each wire and the direction of the magnetic field at O will be ( μ0=4π×10−7NA−2 ):
(A)20 A , perpendicular out of the page
(B)40 A , perpendicular out of the page
(C)20 A , perpendicular into the page✓ Correct
(D)40 A , perpendicular into the page
Answer: (C)
Solution
Each wire is bent at a right angle, so at O one arm of each lies along the line through O and the other is a semi-infinite straight segment at perpendicular distance 4cm. A semi-infinite wire produces a field 4πdμ0i at a point level with its end, and the two contributing arms add, giving B=2⋅4πdμ0i. Putting B=10−4T, d=4×10−2m and μ0=4π×10−7, solving 10−4=2⋅4π(4×10−2)(4π×10−7)i gives i=20A. Applying the right-hand rule to the currents shown, both contributions point into the page, so the field at O is that of a 20A current, directed into the page.
JEE Main · 2019 · 12 Jan 2019 · Shift 1 · Single correct option