Finding the magnitude of a magnetic field from a square loop

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnitude of the magnetic field at the center of a square loop carrying current i, with side length L. The magnetic field is derived using the Biot-Savart law, leading to the formula B = (μ₀I/4π)(L/x√(x²+(L/2)²)). The challenge lies in integrating the contributions from each side of the square loop, contrasting with simpler circular configurations. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the magnetic field produced by straight current-carrying wires as a foundational step in solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Biot-Savart law
  • Familiarity with magnetic fields generated by current-carrying conductors
  • Knowledge of integration techniques in physics
  • Concept of magnetic permeability (μ₀)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the Biot-Savart law in various geometries
  • Learn how to derive magnetic fields from straight current-carrying wires
  • Explore the magnetic field calculations for circular loops
  • Investigate the effects of varying current and loop dimensions on magnetic field strength
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in electromagnetism, particularly those tackling magnetic field calculations in complex geometries.

Patdon10
Messages
85
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A square loop, with sides of length L, carries current i. Find the magnitude of the magnetic field from the loop at the center of the loop, as a function of i and L. (Use any variable or symbol stated above along with the following as necessary: μ0.)


Homework Equations



magnetic field outside of a conductor:
u_0*I*r/A


The Attempt at a Solution



I got u_0*I*L/L^2

Not really sure what I should be doing differently? If it was in the shape of a circle it'd be easy, but because it's in a square, it's harder.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think the easiest way would be to try to solve the problem of finding the magnetic field produced by a straight current-carrying piece of wire of length L. Try to find the field at a point a distance x from the wire on its perpendicular bisector. You can do this by splitting the wire into infinitessimal lengths dl and then use the Biot and Savart law to calculate the field produced by dl. Then integrate along the length of the wire to find the total.

I think you should get

B = \frac{\mu_{0}I}{4\pi}\frac{L}{x\sqrt{x^{2}+(L/2)^{2} }}.
Now you've done the hard part it's just a matter of adding the fields from each of the 4 sides of the loop.
 
It seems pretty confusing, but I'll try it out and see what happens.
 
Patdon10 said:
It seems pretty confusing, but I'll try it out and see what happens.
I think that is the easiest way to do it. If you are trying to find the field from shapes like this then presumably you've covered the field from a straight current-carrying wire?

Patdon10 said:
If it was in the shape of a circle it'd be easy, but because it's in a square, it's harder.
How would you do it for a circle?
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
2K