In: Physics
Find the current density necessary to float a copper wire in Earth’s magnetic field. Assume the experiment to be done at the Earth’s magnetic equator in a field of 10?4 T. Use nominal density of copper in g/cm^3.
For the wire to float in the midair, it net force on it vertically should be zero.
Upward force due to the magnetic field = BILsin90
downward force due to gravity = mg
so, mg = BIL
mass m = volume x density
and assuming the wire to be cylindrical,
so,
=>
where J is the current density
density of copper wire: 8.96 g/cm3 and g = 9.8 m/s2 = 980 cm/s2
so,
substitute the value of B to get the current density in A/cm2 .