Q. A current $i$ is passing through a straight conductor of infinite length. The magnetic field at a point situated at a distance $R$ from the conductor is

A) $\frac{\mu_{0}}{2\pi}\ i$
B) $\frac{\mu_{0}}{2\pi}\frac{i}{R^{2}}$
C) $\frac{\mu_{0}}{2\pi}\frac{i}{R^{3}}$
D) $\frac{\mu_{0}}{2\pi}\frac{i}{R}$
Explanation

(d) Magnetic field due to a current carrying wire at a point $P$ which lies at a perpendicular distance $R$ from the wire is given as
$B = \frac{\mu_{0}}{4\pi}\frac{i}{R}\left( \sin{\phi_{1} + \sin\phi_{2}} \right)$
When the linear conductor is of infinite length, then
$\phi_{1} = \phi_{2} = 90{^\circ}$
So, $B = \frac{\mu_{0}}{4\pi R}\ i\ \left\lbrack \sin{90{^\circ}} + \sin{90{^\circ}} \right\rbrack$
$= \frac{\mu_{0}}{4\pi}\frac{2i}{R} = \frac{\mu_{0}}{2\pi}\frac{i}{R}$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.