B-Field at a Perpendicular Distance

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the magnetic field (B-field) at a specific point due to two parallel wires carrying current. The formula used is B = (μ0*I)/(2π*r), with μ0 being the permeability of free space. The initial calculation yielded 3.84 microtesla, but there was confusion regarding the effects of two wires and the correct approach to vector addition of the magnetic fields. Participants emphasized the importance of visualizing the setup in three dimensions and correctly determining the position of the point relative to the wires. The final answer requires considering the direction of the magnetic fields produced by each wire and combining them accordingly.
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Two long horizontal straight parallel wires are 28.28 cm apart and each carries a current of 2.2 A in the same direction, namely, due south. What is the B-field at a point that is a perpendicular distance of 23 cm from both wires? Answer in microtesla.

B= (u0*I)/(2Pi*r)
u0= 4Pi*10^-7= 1.26*10^-6

23cm= 0.23m
2.2A*2= 4.4A
B= (1.26*10^-6)(4.4)/(2Pi*0.23)= 3.84*10^-6T= 3.84uT

3.84uT is incorrect. I don't really know what to do here. I'm pretty sure I have the right equation, but the fact that it's two wires throws me off. Do I add the currents or subtract them? Does the 28.28cm come into play? Is my conversion from tesla to microtesla correct?
Where am I going wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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I think you are missing the 3D aspect of this. Draw two dots to represent the currents coming straight at you out of the page. Mark the distance between them 28.28 cm. Now, where is your point where you are calculating the field? Must be a little above or below the halfway point between the currents, right? Sketch arrows to show the direction of the field due to each current at that point. You'll see that you have a vector addition calculation to do in order to get the final answer.
 
I didn't understand that at all. So I should draw something like this? And then the point is 23cm from the middle?

________________________<2.2A South______________

28.28cm

________________________<2.2A South______________
 
wires.jpg

Find the magnetic field vectors at P due to A and B. Add them.
 
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