B field intensity of 2 parallel wires

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic field intensity at point P due to two parallel wires carrying equal anti-parallel currents of 4.40 A, separated by a distance of 4.60 cm. The magnetic field formula used is μi/2πr, where μ is the permeability of free space. The participant initially miscalculated the magnetic field intensity, arriving at an incorrect value of 7.1665340225 x 10^(-4) T. The correct approach involves recognizing that the y-components of the magnetic fields cancel, leaving only the x-components to be summed, and correcting the exponent in the denominator from 3/2 to 1.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields generated by current-carrying wires
  • Familiarity with the formula for magnetic field intensity: B = μi/2πr
  • Basic trigonometry, specifically the cosine function
  • Knowledge of vector components and how they interact
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the magnetic field formula for long straight wires
  • Learn about vector addition of magnetic fields from multiple sources
  • Study the concept of magnetic field lines and their behavior around parallel currents
  • Explore the implications of anti-parallel currents on magnetic field interactions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone involved in electrical engineering or related fields seeking to understand magnetic field interactions between parallel conductors.

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Homework Statement


Two long parallel wires are a center-to-center distance of 4.60 cm apart and carry equal anti-parallel currents of 4.40 A. Find the magnetic field intensity at the point P which is equidistant from the wires. (R = 4.00 cm).



Homework Equations


magnetic field for a long straight wire = μi/2*pi*r


The Attempt at a Solution


at first i thought it was just 0 T since the current is in opposite directions but that was wrong. so i worked it out and saw that the y components cancel out and you're left with the 2 x directions components. so i thought B = \frac{2*μ*i*cos(theta)}{2*pi*r}

where cos(theta) = R/r
where r = sqrt(R2+(d/2)2)

this didnt work out for me. my answer was 7.1665340225x10^(-4) T and it said it was wrong

B= \frac{2*4*pi*10^-7*4.4*.04}{2*pi*(R^2+(d/2)^2)^(3/2)}

anything i did wrong, plugged in wrong numbers or what?
 

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I see two problems:

1. I don't see where the "3/2" exponent comes from in your denominator, the units do not work out properly with that exponent there.

2. It appears you made an arithmetic mistake in evaluating your expression -- I get a different number for the expression you wrote, but as I indicated I don't think the 3/2 exponent there is correct anyway.
 

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