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ExamsJEE AdvancedPhysics

Two long cylindrical wires carry different but uniform current densities. The radius of wire 2 is twice the radius of wire 1. The B vs r graphs (magnetic field vs radial distance from axis) for the two wires are plotted on the same axes; the decreasing (outer) curved portions of the two graphs exactly overlap each other. If B1 and B2 denote the maximum magnetic fields at the surfaces of wire 1 and wire 2 respectively, and x = B1/B2, find 2x.

  1. 2
  2. 4
  3. 8
  4. 16

Correct answer: 4

Solution

Equal outer B(r) curves imply equal total currents: J1*R1² = J2*(2R1)², so J1 = 4J2. Surface field ratio B1/B2 = (J1*R1)/(J2*R2) = (4J2*R1)/(J2*2R1) = 2, so x = 2 and 2x = 4.

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