Question

A square loop, carrying a steady current $I$ , is placed in a horizontal plane near a long straight conductor carrying a steady current $I_{1}$ at a distance d from the conductor as shown in figure. The loop will experience

• A. A net repulsive force away from the conductor
• B. A net torque acting upward perpendicular to the horizontal plane
• C. A net torque acting downward normal to the horizontal plane
• D. A net attractive force toward the conductor

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

$F_{1} > F_{2}$ as $F \propto \frac{1}{d} ,$ and $F_{3}$ and $F_{4}$ are equal and opposite. Hence, the net attraction force will be towards the conductor.