Class NEET 2026 ALL Q #1945
COMPETENCY BASED
APPLY
4 Marks 2026 NTA-RE-NEET-2026 MCQ SINGLE
Two infinitely long parallel conducting wires A and B carry currents $I$ and $2I$, respectively, in the same direction. The wire A has uniform mass per unit length $\lambda$ and lies on an insulated floor. The wire B is kept fixed at a height $h$ above the floor. The minimum magnitude of $h$ so that the wire A does not rise from the floor is: [$g$ is the acceleration due to gravity and $\mu_{0}$ is the permeability of free space.]
(A) $\frac{4\mu_{0}I^{2}}{\pi\lambda g}$
(B) $\frac{\mu_{0}I^{2}}{2\pi\lambda g}$
(C) $\frac{\mu_{0}I^{2}}{\pi\lambda g}$
(D) $\frac{2\mu_{0}I^{2}}{\pi\lambda g}$
Correct Answer: C

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Detailed Solution

Step 1: Identify the forces acting on wire A

Wire A is subjected to two primary forces: the downward gravitational force per unit length ($w = \lambda g$) and the upward magnetic force per unit length ($f_m$) exerted by wire B due to the current interaction.

Step 2: Calculate the magnetic force per unit length

The magnetic force per unit length between two parallel wires carrying currents $I_1$ and $I_2$ separated by distance $h$ is given by the formula: $$f_m = \frac{\mu_0 I_1 I_2}{2\pi h}$$ Substituting $I_1 = I$ and $I_2 = 2I$: $$f_m = \frac{\mu_0 I (2I)}{2\pi h} = \frac{\mu_0 I^2}{\pi h}$$

Step 3: Apply the equilibrium condition

For wire A to not rise from the floor, the upward magnetic force must not exceed the downward gravitational force. The limiting case (minimum height) occurs when the forces are balanced: $$f_m = \lambda g$$ $$\frac{\mu_0 I^2}{\pi h} = \lambda g$$

Step 4: Solve for h

Rearranging the equation to solve for $h$: $$h = \frac{\mu_0 I^2}{\pi \lambda g}$$

Final Answer: \frac{\mu_{0}I^{2}}{\pi\lambda g}

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because the student must translate a physical scenario into a force-balance equation using the Biot-Savart law and Ampere's force law.
Knowledge Dimension: PROCEDURAL
Justification: The student must follow a specific sequence of steps: identifying forces, applying the correct formula for magnetic interaction, and performing algebraic manipulation.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of NEET, this is classified as COMPETENCY. This question tests the ability to integrate concepts of mechanics (equilibrium) with electromagnetism (magnetic force between wires), which is a hallmark of high-level NEET physics preparation.