28.

60: a) Note that the Earth’s magnetic field exerts no force on wire B, since the
current in wire B is parallel to the Earth’s magnetic field. Thus, for equilibrium, the
remaining two forces that act on wire B must cancel. Assuming that the length of wire B
is L and that wire A carries a current I we obtain
μ0 I( 1.0 A)L μ (1.0 A)(3.0 A ) L
− + 0 =0
2π( 0.050 m) 2π (0.100 m)
So
0.050 m
I = (3.0 A) ⋅ =1.5 A
0.100 m
b) Note that the force on wire B that is generated by wire C is to the right. Thus, if the
current in wire C is increased, wire B will slide to the right.