Askiitians Tutor Team
Last Activity: 5 Months ago
To determine the neutral point in this scenario, we need to understand how the magnetic field generated by the current in the conductor interacts with the Earth's magnetic field. The neutral point is where the magnetic field due to the current equals the Earth's magnetic field, but in opposite directions, effectively canceling each other out.
Understanding the Magnetic Fields
First, let's break down the components involved:
- Current in the Conductor: A current of 5 A flows downwards through a long straight vertical conductor.
- Earth's Magnetic Field: The horizontal flux density of the Earth's magnetic field is given as 2 × 10-7 T.
Calculating the Magnetic Field from the Conductor
The magnetic field (B) around a long straight conductor carrying current can be calculated using Ampère's Law. The formula for the magnetic field at a distance (r) from a long straight conductor is:
B = (μ₀ * I) / (2 * π * r)
Where:
- B: Magnetic field strength (in Tesla)
- μ₀: Permeability of free space (approximately 4π × 10-7 T·m/A)
- I: Current in amperes (5 A in this case)
- r: Distance from the conductor (in meters)
Setting Up the Equation
At the neutral point, the magnetic field due to the current must equal the Earth's magnetic field:
B (conductor) = B (Earth)
Substituting the values we have:
(μ₀ * I) / (2 * π * r) = 2 × 10-7
Substituting Known Values
Now, substituting the known values into the equation:
(4π × 10-7 T·m/A * 5 A) / (2 * π * r) = 2 × 10-7
We can simplify this equation:
(20 × 10-7) / (2 * π * r) = 2 × 10-7
Solving for r
Now, we can solve for r:
20 × 10-7 = 2 × 10-7 * 2 * π * r
r = (20 × 10-7) / (4π × 10-7)
r = 5 / π
Calculating this gives:
r ≈ 1.59 m
Conclusion
The neutral point, where the magnetic field due to the current in the conductor cancels out the Earth's magnetic field, is approximately 1.59 meters horizontally from the conductor. This distance is crucial for understanding how magnetic fields interact in practical applications, such as in navigation and electrical engineering.