Question

A 1.8 m length of wire carrying 4.6 A of current toward the south is oriented horizontally. At that point on the Earth's surface, the dip angle of the Earth's magnetic field makes an angle of 46 to the wire. Estimate the magnitude of the magnetic force on the wire due to the Earth's magnetic field of 5.5×10−5T5.5×10−5T at this point. Express your answer using two significant figures.

Answer 1

given :

length of wire = L = 1.8 m

current in wire = i = 4.6 A

orientation of wire : Horizontal (parallel to earth's surface)

Earth's magnetic field =

angle of dip =

The magnetic force on the wire is due to Component of magnetic field which is perpendicuar to length of wire.

Here, in our problem, the required magnetic field is along vertical to Earth surface, i.e; vertical component of Earth magentic field.

Vertical component of Earth's magnetic field =

Therefore, Magnetic force on the wire = [answer]