Magnetic Field at Origin Due to Current Carrying Wire Segments in XY Plane
Select the option that correctly gives the net magnetic field at point O caused by current passing through the specified wire segments situated in the plane.

Options
Topics & Concepts
Step-by-Step Solution
To find the net magnetic field at the origin due to the current-carrying wire configuration in the -plane, we evaluate the contribution of each individual wire segment using the Biot-Savart law.
1. Straight Wire Segments Passing Through or Directed Towards Origin
For any straight wire segment lying along a line that passes directly through the origin , the current element vector is parallel or antiparallel to the position vector relative to . Therefore:
2. Upper Semi-Circular Arc
- Radius:
- Angle subtended at origin: (semi-circle)
- Direction of current: Clockwise in the upper half-plane ().
By the right-hand rule, a clockwise current produces a magnetic field directed into the page ().
The magnitude of the magnetic field due to this semi-circular arc is:
Thus, the magnetic field vector is:
3. Lower Quarter-Circular Arc
- Radius:
- Angle subtended at origin: (quarter-circle)
- Direction of current: Clockwise in the fourth quadrant.
Using the right-hand rule, the magnetic field is also directed into the page ().
The magnitude of the magnetic field due to this quarter-circular arc is:
Thus, the magnetic field vector is:
4. Vertical Straight Wire Segment
For the finite straight vertical wire segment, the magnetic field magnitude at a perpendicular distance subtending angles and at the ends is given by:
With perpendicular distance , , and ():
By the right-hand rule, the magnetic field due to this straight segment is directed along :
5. Net Magnetic Field at Origin
Summing the individual contributions from all segments:
Conclusion
The correct option is C.