Biot-Savart and a Rectangular Loop

[mathguy831]

Homework Statement

Consider the figure on the right. Wire 1 is oriented along the y-axis and carries a current I1. A rectangular loop located to the right of the wire in the xy-plane carries a current I2. Find the magnetic force exerted by wire 1 on the top wire of length b in the loop labeled, "Wire 2" in the figure.

2. Homework Equations

Biot-Savart Law

The Attempt at a Solution

I'm not sure where to begin. I've never worked with a problem like this before, only the basic problems.[/B]

 

[rude man]

Remember dF = i dl x B ?
i = current
dl =differential length expressed as a vector.
For B try ampere's law. Forget Biot-Savart.

 

[mathguy831]

Okay, I tried this. Does it look right?

 

[rude man]

Okay, I tried this. Does it look right?

It's too late tonite for me to check it in detail but your approach is spot-on.