Where to Start Solving Magnetic Field of Two Wires

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the location where the combined magnetic field of two long straight wires is zero. The first wire, aligned along the x-axis, carries a current I, while the second wire, aligned along the y-axis, carries a current of I/2. Utilizing Ampere's Law and the Biot-Savart Law, participants analyze the magnetic fields in different quadrants of the xy-plane, identifying where the fields from both wires cancel each other out by being equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ampere's Law
  • Familiarity with the Biot-Savart Law
  • Knowledge of magnetic field direction due to current-carrying wires
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Ampere's Law in various geometries
  • Learn how to calculate magnetic fields using the Biot-Savart Law
  • Explore the concept of magnetic field superposition
  • Investigate the effects of varying current magnitudes on magnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in solving problems related to magnetic fields generated by current-carrying conductors.

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Homework Statement



a long straight wire lying along the x-axis carries current I flowing in the +x direction. A second long straight wire lying along the y-axis carries current I/2 in the +y direction.
where is their combined magnetic field zero?

Homework Equations



Ampere's Law/biot-savart law

The Attempt at a Solution



where do i begin??
pls help.thanks.
 
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What is the magnetic field due to a current of wire?

Look at each of the quadrants in the xyplane... examine the direction of fields due to each of the two wires... in which quadrants are they in the same direction? in which quadrants are they in the opposite direction...

now within the quadrants where the fields are in opposite directions... you need the magnitude of the two fields to be equal (so that they cancel each other out)...

take an aribtrary point (x,y)... what is the field at this point due to the first wire... and due to the second wire... set the two fields equal... solve for y in terms of x.
 

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