Question

A rectangular loop carrying a current i₁ , is situated near a long  straight wire carrying a steady current i₂. The wire is parallel to one of the sides of the loop and is in the plane of the loop as shown in the figure. Then the current loop will

(a) move away from the wire

(b) move towards the wire

(c) remain stationary

(d) rotate about an axis parallel to the wire

Answer 1

Correct option (b) move towards the wire

Explanation:

As two like currents attract and unlike currents repel each other, the wire will attract the side of the loop near the wire and parallel to it and the far side of the loop again parallel to the wire will be repelled. But the force of attraction will be more as that side of the loop is closer to the wire and so effectively the current loop will move towards the wire.