EXAM 2                        April 15, 1998                          PHYS 208 

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If you need a constant not given here or do not understand a problem, please ask me about it.
No notes, books, etc. may be used during this exam.

g = 9.8 m/sec2 Radius of the earth = 6.38 x 106 m
The mass of the electron is 9.11 x 10 -31 kg.
e = 1.60 x 10 -19 C
      1 
 -------------- =  9.0 x 109 N m2/C2
 4 pi epsilon0 
mu0
---- = 1 x 10-7 Henry/m
4 pi

1. (10 points)
      (a) Give the physical argument for the loop rule for analyzing circuits [one of the two rules for obtaining equations to be used in determining the currents in a circuit].

      (b) Give the physical argument for the junction rule for analyzing ciruits [the other rule for obtaining equations].

2. (30 points) Starting from Gauss's Law, determine the capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor, whose plates are a long and b wide and are placed a distance d apart.

3. (30 points) Write down equations which, when solved, will give the currents through each resistor in the circuit in the diagram. Do not attempt to solve the equations.

4. (30 points) A loop is made of a length L of limp wire which behaves like a conducting string. The loop lies on a horizontal, frictionless table. A uniform magnetic field B is directed vertically.
      (a) What happens when a current I is passed through the wire? You may choose to consider any convenient initial shape. Does the final shape of the loop depend on its initial shape?

      (b) What is the net magnetic force on (any) half of the wire (size and direction)?

      (c) What is the tension in the wire when the current is flowing?