Q110 / 180 · AIIMS 2003 · Physics

A rectangular loop carrying a current $i_1$, is situated near a long straight wire carrying a steady current $i_2$. The wire is parallel to one of the sides of the loop and is in the plane of the loop as shown in the figure. Then the current loop will Figure

  • A
    move away from the wire
  • Correct answer
    B
    move towards the wire
  • C
    remain stationary
  • D
    rotate about an axis parallel to the wire.

Solution

As two like currents attract and unlike currents repel each other, the wire will attract the side $A$ of the loop near the wire and parallel to it and the far side of the loop again parallel to the wire will be repelled. But the force of attraction will be more as that side of the loop is closer to the wire and so effectively the current loop will more towards the wire.

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

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