Question

Two similar circular loops carry equal currents in the same direction. On moving the coils further apart, the electric current will (a) Remain unchanged (b) Increasing in both (c) Increasing in one decreasing in other (d) Decreasing in both

Short answer

The electric current in the two similar circular loops carrying equal currents in the same direction will \(remain\ unchanged\) when moved further apart. The current flowing through the loops is not affected by the distance between them. Therefore, the correct answer is \((a)\ Remain\ unchanged\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the concept involved

We are dealing with two circular loops carrying equal currents. Since the loops are similar, they have the same shape and size. The concept involved in this exercise is based on the interactions between the loops and how the distance between them affects the current flowing through them.

Determine the magnetic field produced

First, let's analyze the magnetic field produced by each loop. The magnetic field produced by the current flowing through the loops will interact with each other. Since the loops have the same shape and size and carry equal currents in the same direction, the magnetic fields generated will have the same magnitudes but interact differently with different distances between the loops.

Analyze the effect of changing the distance between the loops

As the loops are moved further apart, their magnetic fields will decrease in strength and have a lesser influence on each other. At this point, one may think it might affect the current flowing through the loops. However, it is important to note that the current flowing through the loops is not a function of the distance between them.

Refer to the answer choices

Now that we understand that the current is not a function of the distance between the loops, we can refer back to the answer choices. The question asks what will happen to the electric current when the coils are moved further apart: (a) Remain unchanged (b) Increasing in both (c) Increasing in one decreasing in other (d) Decreasing in both

Choose the correct answer

Since the current flowing through the loops is not a function of the distance between them, we can conclude that the current will remain unchanged. Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Remain unchanged.

Key concepts

Circular Loops

Circular loops are simple circuits where a wire is bent into a circular shape, allowing current to flow around the loop. These loops are fundamental in the study of electromagnetism due to their ability to create magnetic fields when an electric current flows through them. This magnetic field is circular around the wire and is strongest at the center of the loop. Circular loops are often used in coil form to create electromagnets, where multiple loops are wound together to amplify the magnetic field's strength. Understanding how these loops interact with one another when in proximity is crucial to grasping concepts such as magnetic interactions and electromagnetic induction.

Current Electricity

Current electricity refers to the flow of electric charge through a conductor, often measured in amperes. It is distinct from static electricity, where charges do not flow. In circuits, current is driven by a voltage source, such as a battery, and it follows the path of least resistance.

• Current is essential for powering electrical devices, and understanding how it flows in different materials and environments is crucial for designing circuits.
• When dealing with multiple loops, as in the exercise, the currents flowing through the loops can impact each other due to generated magnetic fields, but the flow of current itself remains independent of external magnetic influences.
• This principle is key to answering the original exercise, where the distance between loops does not affect the amount of current that flows through them.

Magnetic Interactions

Magnetic interactions occur when magnetic fields from different sources influence each other. When two loops carrying currents are placed close, they generate magnetic fields that can affect one another. These fields can either strengthen or weaken depending on their relative orientations and distances. For similar circular loops carrying current in the same direction, the magnetic fields tend to interact constructively, meaning they can reinforce each other when in proximity. However, these interactions do not affect the actual current, as it only deals with magnetic forces. As loops are moved apart, the magnetic fields diminish in strength due to the increased distance. Yet, these changes in magnetic interaction do not alter the flow of current within the loops, answering the exercise that moving them further apart sustainably affects only magnetic field interaction.

Electromagnetic Induction

Electromagnetic induction is the process by which a changing magnetic field can induce an electric current in a conductor. This can happen inside a single loop or multiple close loops and is the principle behind devices like generators and transformers. In the context of the exercise, since the loops carry constant current and the distance between them changes, electromagnetic induction doesn't play a role here directly. It becomes significant only when changes in magnetic flux occur rapidly, leading to an induced current.

• This change is not due to moving the loops apart at constant current; therefore, induction does not induce additional currents within the loops.
• The principle remains very important for understanding how electrical systems can be dynamically manipulated for creating and harnessing electricity.