Negative values of magnetic fields strength obtained?

In summary, the conversation discusses using a Hall probe to measure the magnetic field strength in increments away from a wire carrying 4 A of current. As the distance from the wire increases, the B value decreases and eventually becomes negative. This raises the question of how to account for the negative value when calculating the theoretical B value using the standard equation. The conversation also mentions the magnetic field strength equation for a wire and asks about the reading with no current and the distance from the return current.
  • #1
Mohummed Kazmi
1
0

Homework Statement



We were asked to use a Hall probe (in units of Guass) to measure the magnetic field strength in 0.5 cm increments away from a wire carrying 4 A of current. As we got further and further away from the wire our B value got smaller and smaller. Eventually they became negative! What does this mean? If I calculate a theoretical B value using the standard equation then how am i supposed to account for the negative value[/B]

Homework Equations


[/B]
Magnetic field strength equation for a wire = Permitting constant* current/2* pi* d

The Attempt at a Solution

 

Attachments

  • upload_2016-4-3_21-29-49.png
    upload_2016-4-3_21-29-49.png
    991 bytes · Views: 458
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Mohummed Kazmi said:

Homework Statement



We were asked to use a Hall probe (in units of Guass) to measure the magnetic field strength in 0.5 cm increments away from a wire carrying 4 A of current. As we got further and further away from the wire our B value got smaller and smaller. Eventually they became negative! What does this mean? If I calculate a theoretical B value using the standard equation then how am i supposed to account for the negative value[/B]

Homework Equations


[/B]
Magnetic field strength equation for a wire = Permitting constant* current/2* pi* d

The Attempt at a Solution

Hello Mohummed Kazmi. Welcome to PF !

What was the reading with no current?

How far away from the return current, or any other current was the probe?
 

1. What causes negative values of magnetic field strength?

Negative values of magnetic field strength can be caused by a variety of factors, including the orientation of the magnetic field, the direction of current flow, and the properties of the material the field is passing through. It is important to carefully consider all of these factors when analyzing the magnetism of a system.

2. Are negative values of magnetic field strength uncommon?

No, negative values of magnetic field strength are not uncommon. In fact, they are often observed in systems where the magnetic field is changing rapidly or in systems with complex geometries. It is important to accurately measure and account for negative values in order to fully understand the behavior of the magnetic field.

3. How do negative values of magnetic field strength affect magnetic materials?

Negative values of magnetic field strength can have a significant impact on the behavior of magnetic materials. This is because the magnetic field is a vector quantity, meaning that its direction and magnitude are both important. Negative values can alter the direction of the magnetic field and therefore change the alignment of magnetic domains within a material, affecting its overall magnetism.

4. Can negative values of magnetic field strength be converted to positive values?

Yes, negative values of magnetic field strength can be converted to positive values by changing the direction of the field or by using mathematical operations such as squaring or taking the absolute value. However, it is important to note that negative values may still be relevant in certain analyses and should not always be converted to positive values.

5. How do negative values of magnetic field strength impact scientific experiments?

Negative values of magnetic field strength can have a significant impact on the results of scientific experiments. They can alter the behavior of magnetic materials, affect the accuracy of measurements, and complicate data analysis. It is important for scientists to carefully consider the presence of negative values in their experimental design and interpretation of results.

Similar threads

How to find an expected value for magnetic field strength?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
875
Magnetic field pointing into a normal magnetized compass needle
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
405
(Magnetism) Magnetic pull force on a steel ball
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
362
How to obtain correct negative sign in calculation of motional emf?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
195
Why is magnetic field B along a straight wire circular not radial?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
1K
Calculating Magnetic Field Strength and Force of Eddy Currents in a Solenoid
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
49
Views
3K
Magnetic energy density, and pressure due to magnetic force
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
2K
Calculation of torque and force on magnetic dipole near infinite wire
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
212
Understanding work in translation and rotation of a magnetic dipole
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
360
How far from this current-carrying wire will the Earth's magnetic field cancel the B-field from the wire?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top