What current will allow the wire to float ?

In summary, the conversation is discussing the necessary current that will allow a wire to "float" and form an equilateral triangle with two other wires. The force that the upper wire feels is a combination of the force from the other wires and the normal force of gravity, which can be calculated using the linear mass density. The equation for the force between two wires carrying identical currents is mentioned and the speaker suggests a value of 49kA as a possible solution. However, they are unsure if this is a realistic amount of current needed to overcome the force of gravity.
  • #1
Xaspire88
100
0
What current will allow the wire to "float"?

The linked image is a cross section through three long wires with linear mass density 50 g/m. They each carry equal currents in the directions shown. The lower two wires are 4.0 cm apart and are attached to a table. What current I will allow the upper wire to "float" so as to form an equilateral triangle with the lower wires?

The force that the upper wire feels is a combined force from the two other wires and the normal force of gravity. I am just not sure how to calculate the normal force of gravity with the linear mass density. Also the current that is needed will have to produce a magnetic field that combined equals the force downward on the wire from gravity, correct?

The equation for the force between two wires carrying identical currents with an unknown length is
F/L= ([tex]\mu[/tex]I)/([tex]\mu[/tex]r)

For gravity

F= m*9.8m/s

i have a linear mass density of 50g/m.. I can take and divide both sides by L to get

F/L = (m*9.8m/s)/L but I'm afraid that doesn't help me.. Hmmm. Ill keep trying. Please any hints are helpful
 
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  • #2
Please Help me out. I am missing something but i can't seem to connect the dots
 
  • #3
If you have a linear density of M kg/m then you have a force of 9.8M N/m.
So F=9.8*0.05 N/m= 0.49N/m
 
  • #4
so then i can set that force equal to the force between the wires and solve for I.
I get a value of 49kA when i do this.. this seems like a lot but it would also seem that an enormous amount of current would be needed to overcome the force of gravity. let me know what you think.
 

FAQ: What current will allow the wire to float ?

What is the concept behind a wire floating due to current?

The concept behind a wire floating due to current is based on the principles of electromagnetism. When an electric current passes through a wire, it creates a magnetic field around the wire. This magnetic field interacts with the Earth's magnetic field, causing the wire to experience an upward force, which allows it to float.

What type of current is needed for a wire to float?

The type of current needed for a wire to float is an alternating current (AC). This type of current constantly changes direction, causing the magnetic field around the wire to constantly change and creating an upward force that allows the wire to float.

How does the strength of the current affect the wire's ability to float?

The strength of the current directly affects the wire's ability to float. A stronger current will create a stronger magnetic field, resulting in a stronger upward force on the wire and allowing it to float higher.

What materials are needed to create a wire that can float?

To create a wire that can float, you will need a conductive material such as copper or aluminum, an insulating material such as rubber or plastic to coat the wire, and a power source to supply the current.

Can a wire float indefinitely with the right current?

No, a wire cannot float indefinitely with the right current. The Earth's magnetic field is not strong enough to counteract the force of gravity indefinitely. Eventually, the wire will reach a point where the upward force from the magnetic field is equal to the downward force of gravity, and it will stop floating.

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