Current carrying wire in uniform magnetic field; where is net magnetic field 0?

In summary, the problem involves a long wire carrying 100 A perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field of 5.0 mT. The question asks for the distance from the wire where the net magnetic field is equal to zero. Using the equation B = iμo/2∏R, it can be determined that the net magnetic field will be zero at a distance of 4 mm from the wire. The reasoning behind this solution is sound.
  • #1
mm2424
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1

Homework Statement



A long wire carrying 100 A is perpendicular to the magnetic field lines of a uniform magnetic field of magnitude 5.0 mT. At what distance from the wire is the net magnetic field equal to zero?


Homework Equations


B = iμo/2∏R


The Attempt at a Solution



I reasoned that in order for the net magnetic field at some point outside the wire to be 0, the magnetic field from the current in the wire must cancel out the uniform magnetic field (B = 5.0 mT).

So, I used B = iμo/2∏R

B = 5.0 x 10^-3 T = 100Aμo/2∏R

R = 4 mm

Is this reasoning sound?



 
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  • #2
Looks good :smile:
 

1. What is a current carrying wire?

A current carrying wire is a wire or conductor through which an electric current flows. It can be made of various materials such as copper, aluminum, or silver. The flow of electrons in the wire creates a magnetic field around it.

2. What is a uniform magnetic field?

A uniform magnetic field is a magnetic field that has the same strength and direction at every point in space. This means that the magnetic field lines are parallel and evenly spaced.

3. How does a current carrying wire interact with a uniform magnetic field?

When a current carrying wire is placed in a uniform magnetic field, the magnetic field lines exert a force on the moving charges in the wire, causing the wire to experience a force. This force is known as the Lorentz force and is perpendicular to both the direction of the current and the magnetic field.

4. Where is the net magnetic field 0 in a current carrying wire in a uniform magnetic field?

The net magnetic field is 0 at the center of the wire, where the forces from the magnetic field on one side of the wire are canceled out by the forces from the other side of the wire. This is known as the null point.

5. How can the direction of the net magnetic field be determined in a current carrying wire in a uniform magnetic field?

The direction of the net magnetic field can be determined using the right-hand rule. If you point your thumb in the direction of the current and your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field, the direction your palm faces will be the direction of the net magnetic field.

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