Question

A current $I_1$ carrying wire $AB$ is placed near another long wire $CD$ carrying current $I_2$. If wire $AB$ is free to move, it will have

• A. rotational motion only
• B. translational motion only
• C. rotational as well as translational motion
• D. neither rotational nor translational motion

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Since the magnetic field, due to current through wire $CD$ at various locations on wire $AB$ is not uniform, therefore, the wire $AB$, carrying current I1 is subjected to variable magnetic field due to which, neither the force nor the torque on the wire $AB$ will be zero. As a result of which the wire $AB$ will have both translational and rotational motions.