Magnetic Particle Inspection Level 2 Practice Exam

If a current of the same amperage is passed through two conductors of the same dimensions, one of which is magnetic and one of which is nonmagnetic, the magnetic field surrounding the conductors will:

1. Be stronger for the magnetic conductor

2. Be stronger for the nonmagnetic conductor

3. Vary with the permeability

4. Be the same for both conductors

The correct answer is: Be the same for both conductors

When a current of the same amperage flows through two conductors of identical dimensions, the magnetic field generated around each conductor is primarily a result of the electric current. According to Ampère's law, the strength of the magnetic field produced by a conductor is a function of the current flowing through it and its distance from the conductor, rather than the material properties of the conductor itself. In this scenario, while the magnetic conductor does have inherent magnetic properties, the fundamental principle dictates that the current induces the same amount of magnetic field around both the magnetic and nonmagnetic conductors when the current remains constant. Therefore, the magnetic field strength due to the electric current will be identical for both, assuming the same amperage and dimensions for both conductors. The option concerning permeability indicates an important aspect of magnetic materials, but it does not affect the determination of the magnetic fields due to the same current passing through conductors of equal dimensions. Permeability influences how materials react to magnetic fields, but it doesn't change the fact that the magnetic field generated by the current remains the same in this case. This careful distinction leads to the conclusion that the magnetic field surrounding both conductors will indeed be the same.