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Question

The magnetic field produced by a current-carrying wire at a given point depends on which of the following factors?

This question was previously asked in
RRB NTPC 2024 Undergraduate CBT 1 Question Paper (29-Aug-2025) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

Both distance from the wire and current through the wire

Magnetic Field Dependence on Wire Current and Distance

The strength of the magnetic field generated by a wire carrying electric current is a fundamental concept in electromagnetism. Understanding the factors that influence this field is key to solving problems related to electromagnetism.

Physics Principles Explained

The relationship between the current in a wire and the magnetic field it produces is described by physical laws, particularly Ampère's Law in its simpler forms or the Biot-Savart Law. For a long, straight wire carrying a current (\(I\)), the magnetic field strength (\(B\)) at a perpendicular distance (\(r\)) from the wire is given by the formula:

\( B = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2 \pi r} \)

Let's break down the components of this formula:

  • \(B\) is the magnetic field strength, measured in units like Tesla (T).
  • \(\mu_0\) is the permeability of free space, a constant value (\(4\pi \times 10^{-7} \, \text{T}\cdot\text{m/A}\)).
  • \(I\) represents the current flowing through the wire, measured in Amperes (A).
  • \(r\) is the perpendicular distance from the wire to the point where the magnetic field is being measured, measured in meters (m).

Analysis of Factors

Looking closely at the formula \( B = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2 \pi r} \), we can identify the factors that determine the magnetic field strength (\(B\)):

  • Current (\(I\)): The magnetic field strength (\(B\)) is directly proportional to the current (\(I\)). This means that a larger current will produce a stronger magnetic field.
  • Distance (\(r\)): The magnetic field strength (\(B\)) is inversely proportional to the distance (\(r\)). This implies that the magnetic field becomes weaker as you move farther away from the wire.

Evaluating the Options

Based on the physics principles, let's examine the given options:

  • Option 1: "Neither distance from the wire nor current through the wire" - This is incorrect because both distance and current are shown to affect the magnetic field by the formula.
  • Option 2: "Distance from the wire Only" - This is incorrect because it overlooks the significant role of the current in determining the field strength.
  • Option 3: "एपाशा flowing through the wire Only" - Assuming 'एपाशा' refers to the current, this option is similar to option 2 and is incorrect because it neglects the influence of distance. The physics dictates both factors are important.
  • Option 4: "Both distance from the wire and current through the wire" - This aligns perfectly with the derived formula, indicating that both the distance (\(r\)) and the current (\(I\)) are essential factors influencing the magnetic field (\(B\)).

In conclusion, the magnetic field produced by a current-carrying wire is dependent on both how much current is flowing through it and how far away you are measuring the field.

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