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Grade 12Electromagnetic Induction

A current of 5amp flows downward in a long straight vertical conductor and the earths horizontal flux density is 2 into 10power -7 then neutral point is?

Profile image of richa Patil
8 Years agoGrade 12
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1 Answer

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ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

To determine the neutral point in the scenario you've described, we need to analyze the magnetic fields produced by both the current-carrying conductor and the Earth's magnetic field. The neutral point is where these two magnetic fields cancel each other out.

Understanding Magnetic Fields

When an electric current flows through a conductor, it generates a magnetic field around it. For a long, straight conductor, the magnetic field (B) at a distance (r) from the wire can be calculated using the formula:

  • B = (μ₀ * I) / (2π * r)

Where:

  • μ₀ is the permeability of free space (approximately 4π x 10^-7 T·m/A),
  • I is the current in amperes,
  • r is the distance from the wire in meters.

Calculating the Magnetic Field from the Conductor

In your case, the current (I) is 5 A. Plugging this into the formula gives us:

  • B_conductor = (4π x 10^-7 T·m/A * 5 A) / (2π * r)

This simplifies to:

  • B_conductor = (10 x 10^-7) / r

Earth's Magnetic Field

The Earth's horizontal magnetic flux density is given as 2 x 10^-7 T. This field is horizontal and will be acting in a specific direction, which we can assume is to the north for this calculation.

Finding the Neutral Point

The neutral point occurs where the magnetic field due to the current in the conductor equals the magnetic field of the Earth but in opposite directions. Therefore, we set the magnitudes equal:

  • B_conductor = B_earth

Substituting the values we have:

  • (10 x 10^-7) / r = 2 x 10^-7

Solving for Distance

Now, we can solve for r:

  • 10 x 10^-7 = 2 x 10^-7 * r
  • r = (10 x 10^-7) / (2 x 10^-7)
  • r = 5 m

Conclusion

The neutral point, where the magnetic field from the current in the conductor cancels out the Earth's magnetic field, is located 5 meters away from the conductor. This point will be directly to the side of the conductor, where the two magnetic fields are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.