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.