Q148 / 150 · MHT CET 2025 (20 Apr Shift 2) · Physics

A current ' I ' is flowing in a conductor PQRST as shown in figure. The radius of curved path QRS is ' R ' and length of straight portion PQ and ST is very large. The magnetic field at the centre [O] of the curved part is ($\mu_0=$ permeability of free space) Figure

  • A
    $\frac{\mu_0 \mathrm{i}}{4 \pi \mathrm{r}}\left(\frac{3 \pi}{2}+1\right)(-\widehat{\mathrm{k}})$
  • Correct answer
    B
    $\frac{\mu_0 \mathrm{i}}{4 \pi \mathrm{r}}\left(\frac{3 \pi}{2}+1\right) \widehat{\mathrm{k}}$
  • C
    $\frac{\mu_0 \mathrm{i}}{4 \pi \mathrm{r}}\left[\frac{3 \pi}{2}-1\right](-\widehat{\mathrm{k}})$
  • D
    $\frac{\mu_0 \mathrm{i}}{4 \pi \mathrm{r}}\left[\frac{3 \pi}{2}-1\right] \hat{\mathrm{k}}$

Solution

The total magnetic field at point O is found by summing contributions from all conductor segments. The circular arc QRS contributes $B_\text{QRS} = \frac{\mu_0 I}{4\pi r} \left(\frac{3\pi}{2}\right) (-\hat{k})$ using the formula for a current-carrying arc with subtended angle $270^\circ$.

The straight segment PQ contributes $B_\text{PQ} = 0$ since point O lies along its axis, making $d\vec{l} \parallel \vec{r}$ throughout.

The semi-infinite segment ST contributes $B_\text{ST} = \frac{\mu_0 I}{4\pi r} (+\hat{k})$ at perpendicular distance $r$.

The vector sum gives
$B_\text{total} = \frac{\mu_0 I}{4\pi r} \left[-\frac{3\pi}{2} + 1\right] \hat{k} = \frac{\mu_0 I}{4\pi r} \left[1 - \frac{3\pi}{2}\right] \hat{k}$

This matches option C.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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