B-Field at a Perpendicular Distance

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the magnetic field at a point equidistant from two parallel wires carrying current. The context is within the subject area of electromagnetism, specifically focusing on magnetic fields generated by current-carrying conductors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula for the magnetic field due to a single wire but is uncertain about how to account for two wires. Questions arise regarding the addition or subtraction of currents and the relevance of the distance between the wires.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the three-dimensional aspects of the problem and discussing the need for vector addition of magnetic fields from each wire. Some guidance has been offered regarding sketching the scenario to visualize the magnetic field directions.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty about the correct interpretation of distances and the setup of the problem, particularly regarding the position of the point where the magnetic field is being calculated in relation to the wires.

chunkytuna21
Messages
37
Reaction score
0
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
5K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
7K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K