Answer:
The greater of the two currents is 0.692 A
Explanation:
Given;
distance between the two parallel wires; r = 6 mm = 6 x 10⁻³ m
let the current in the first wire = I₁
then, the current in the second wire = 2I₁
length of the wires, L = 3.0 m
magnitude of force on the wires, F = 8 μN = 8 x 10⁻⁶ N
The magnitude of force on the two parallel wires is given by;
[tex]F = \frac{\mu_o I_1(2I_1)}{2\pi r}\\\\F = \frac{\mu_o 2I_1^2}{2\pi r}\\\\I_1^2 = \frac{F*2\pi r}{2\mu_o} \\\\I_1^2 = \frac{8*10^{-6}*2\pi (6*10^{-3})}{2(4\pi*10^{-7})}\\\\I_1^2 = 0.12\\\\I_1 = \sqrt{0.12}\\\\ I_1 =0.346 \ A[/tex]
the current in the second wire = 2I₁ = 2 x 0.346 A = 0.692 A
Therefore, the greater of the two currents is 0.692 A
