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Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [1]
The resultant magnetic field at point 'P' situated midway between two parallel wires (placed horizontally) each carrying a steady current I is
  1. (a) in the same direction as the current in the wires.
  2. (b) in the vertically upward direction.
  3. (c) zero
  4. (d) in the vertically downward direction.
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2023 31/1/1 Q16
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:51 · grounding rag
Model Answer

(c) zero

By the right-hand thumb rule, the magnetic field due to the upper wire at P is directed out of the page, and the field due to the lower wire at P is directed into the page. Since both currents are equal and P is equidistant, the two fields are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, giving a resultant of zero.

Explanation

For two parallel wires carrying current in the same direction, apply the right-hand thumb rule to each wire separately at point P (midway between them). The field from the upper wire curves downward at P (into the page on one side), while the field from the lower wire curves upward at P (out of the page on the same side) — they cancel exactly. This is why the answer is (c) zero. Had the currents been in opposite directions, the fields would add up instead of cancelling.

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