(a) the magnitude of force per unit length= 3.46 x 10⁻⁵ N/m
(b) The force is repulsive.
Explanation:
(a) The force per unit length between two conductors is given by
[tex] F=\frac{uo}{4\pi} \frac{2 i1 i2}{r} [/tex]
i1= current in the first wire= 1.7 A
i2= current in the second wire = 3 A
r= distance between the wires= 2.95 cm=0.0295 m
[tex] \frac{uo}{4\pi} [/tex] = 10⁻⁷ Tm/A
so F= (10⁻⁷) (2 * 1.7 * 3 )/(0.0295)
F= 3.46 x 10⁻⁵ N/m
(b) since the wires are carrying the currents in the opposite directions, so the force between them is repulsive.
