Physics Electromagnetism MDCAT 2014
PMDC Verified Question 50 of 58
Due to current in straight conductor the distance between magnetic field lines.
A
Increases away from conductor
B
Increases towards conductor
C
Decreases away from conductor
D
Decreases and then increases towards conductor
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: Increases away from conductor
Concept:

The magnetic field strength created by a long straight current-carrying wire is inversely proportional to the radial distance from the wire. Visually, stronger fields are represented by lines closer together.

Formula:

$$ B = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi r} $$

Solution:

  • Observe the formula: \( B \propto \frac{1}{r} \). As distance \( r \) increases, the magnetic field strength \( B \) decreases.


  • In field line diagrams, a weaker field is depicted by field lines that are spaced further apart.


  • Therefore, as you move away from the conductor, the distance between the consecutive magnetic field lines increases.


Why other options are incorrect:

Option B implies the field gets weaker near the wire, which is false. Option C implies the field gets stronger away from the wire. Option D implies a complex oscillatory field which doesn't apply to a straight DC wire.

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