A horizontal square loop carrying steady current I lies at distance d from a long straight conductor carrying current I₁, as shown. What net force or torque does the loop experience? [Image]
Options

Question

A horizontal square loop carrying steady current I lies at distance d from a long straight conductor carrying current I₁, as shown. What net force or torque does the loop experience? [Image]

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Each section of the square loop experiences magnetic force dF⃗=I(dℓ⃗×B⃗) in the straight-wire field. Step 2: For the near and far sides, forces oppose; the near side has greater magnitude because B∝1/r. Step 3: The net force is attractive toward the conductor. Answer D. Final answer: (D) A net attractive force toward the conductor..