Two rigid rods are oriented parallel to each other and to the ground. The rods carry the same current in the same direction. The length of each rod is 1.1 m, while the mass of each is 0.11 kg. One rod is held in place above the ground, and the other floats beneath it at a distance of 8.3 mm. Determine the current in the rods.

I = 215.76 A  

Explanation:

The direction of magnetic field produced by conductor 1 on the location of conductor 2 is towards left. Based on Right Hand Rule -1 and taking figure 21.3 as reference, the direction of force Fm due to magnetic field produced at C_2 is shown above. The force Fm balances the weight of conductor 2.  

Fm = u_o*I^2*L/2*π*d

where I is the current in each rod, d = 0.0082 m is the distance 27rId  

between each, L = 0.85 m is the length of each rod.

Fm = 4π*10^-7*I^2*1.1/2*π*0.0083

The mass of each rod is m = 0.0276 kg  

F_m = mg

4π*10^-7*I^2*1.1/2*π*0.0083=0.0276*9.8

I = 215.76 A  

note:

mathematical calculation maybe wrong or having little bit error but the method is perfectly fine

hello there!

your answer is a “generator”

a generator does not create energy but instead it transforms it.

it’s basically a motor working in reverse.

at positions a, g kinetic energy is maximum.

at position d, potential energy is maximum.