Mag. field of square loop at far away point

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the magnetic field produced by a square loop at a point far away from the loop. The original poster attempts to derive the magnetic field at a specific point above the x-axis and questions how to adapt their existing calculations for a far away point where the coordinates are significantly larger than the loop dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers taking the limit of their existing magnetic field equation as the distance increases, questioning how to appropriately handle the changes in coordinates for both y and z. Other participants suggest that at large distances, the loop can be approximated as a magnetic dipole, prompting the original poster to consider whether they can modify their current results or if a new derivation is necessary.

Discussion Status

The discussion has evolved with participants exploring the implications of treating the loop as a magnetic dipole at far distances. The original poster has indicated progress in understanding how to adjust their calculations based on this insight, but there remains a lack of explicit consensus on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the transition from a specific calculation to a more general approximation, with some uncertainty about the necessary adjustments to their previous work. The original poster's calculations are based on a defined point, and the implications of moving to a far away point introduce new considerations.

vwishndaetr
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loop.png


I had to find the magnetic field due to each side at point P, a distance h above x-axis and L/2 from z-axis.

In previous parts, summing up all the sides, I came up with a net magnetic field at point P, of:

[tex]B_{net}=\frac{\mu_0I}{4\pi}\left[\left(\frac{L}{h\sqrt{h^2+\frac{L^2}{4}}}+\frac{L^2}{(h^2+L^2)\sqrt{h^2+\frac{5L^2}{4}}}\right)\hat{y}+\left(\frac{2Lh}{(h^2+\frac{L^2}{4})\sqrt{h^2+\frac{5L^2}{4}}}+\frac{Lh}{(h^2+L^2)\sqrt{h^2+\frac{5L^2}{4}}}\right)\hat{z}\right][/tex]

The final part of the problem asks to find the magnetic field at a far away point P(L/2,y0,z0) where y0 and z0 are much larger than L.

How do I tackle this? I know I am not going to have to redo the entire calculation for a different point. Is it safe to just take the limit,

[tex] <br /> \lim_{h\rightarrow \infty} B_{net}[/tex]

The way I look at it, my equation is for the point P(L/2,0,h). For the far away point, my x isn't changing, but y and z are. So by taking this limit, I get my z very far, but how to do it for a far y as well?

Am I thinking this over right?
 
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vwishndaetr said:
Am I thinking this over right?
I think you are over-thinking it. Very far from the xy plane the loop looks like a magnetic dipole and I believe you are expected to treat it as such.
 
Ok. Thats a step.

So can I use my current result and alter it to accommodate for such change, or do I have to redo the derivation?

Thanks.
 
Ok I got it. Following through with what was mentioned above, I arrived with a new formula, but for a dipole as mentioned. All is clear, thank you. :)
 

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