Chapter 24, Problem 59A

To determine

Whether there is no magnetic field at the location of the wire.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When electric current flows through a wire, magnetic field is generated around the wire. The direction of the field is determined by the right hand rule. When this current carrying wire is placed under the influence of an external magnetic field it experiences a force the direction of which is determined by Fleming’s left-hand rule.

A conductor carrying current generates its own magnetic field. When placed in another magnetic field a force is exerted on the wire because of the interaction between the magnetic field and the field generated by the wire carrying current. The direction of the force is determined by Fleming’s left hand rule as shown below.

However if no force is experienced one cannot conclude that there is no magnetic field because if the magnetic field is parallel to the wire, no force acts on it.

Conclusion:

If no force is experienced one cannot conclude that there is no magnetic field because if the magnetic field is parallel to the wire, no force acts on it.