Calculating Magnetic Field at a Point Near a Long Wire

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic field at a point 100 cm from a long, thin conductor carrying a current of 1A using the formula B = μi/2π(a). The approximation of treating the wire as infinite is valid when the wire is sufficiently long and the observation point is close to it. This simplification allows for accurate calculations without needing additional information about the wire's orientation relative to the point of interest.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and their calculations
  • Familiarity with the Biot-Savart Law
  • Knowledge of the formula B = μi/2π(a)
  • Concept of infinite wire approximation in electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Biot-Savart Law for magnetic field calculations
  • Learn about the implications of the infinite wire approximation
  • Explore magnetic field calculations for different wire configurations
  • Investigate the effects of current direction on magnetic field orientation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding magnetic field calculations around conductors.

Robb
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Homework Statement


Calculate the magnitude of the magnetic field at a point 100cm from a long, thin conductor carrying a current of 1A.

Homework Equations



B = ui/2pi(a)

The Attempt at a Solution



My question is why is this modeled after a problem with an infinite wire? When I first read it I thought there wasn't enough information as I figured we would need to know how the wire is oriented with respect to the point. Please advise.
 
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By calling it a long wire, it's implying that you can treat it as infinite. This approximation is valid if the wire is sufficiently long and the point of interest is sufficiently close to the wire.
 
Kinda what I figured. Thanks!
 

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