Calculating the magnetic field inside a closed loop of wire

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic field inside a closed loop of wire with a clockwise current. The Biot-Savart Law was successfully applied to determine the magnetic field at the center of the loop, yielding correct results. However, confusion arose when applying Ampere's Law, as the enclosed current was zero, leading to the misconception that the magnetic field should also be zero. The key takeaway is that while Ampere's Law indicates no net field along the amperian loop due to zero enclosed current, it does not imply the absence of a magnetic field within the loop.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ampere's Law
  • Familiarity with Biot-Savart Law
  • Basic knowledge of magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors
  • Ability to visualize magnetic field lines
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Ampere's Law in different geometries
  • Explore the derivation and implications of the Biot-Savart Law
  • Investigate the concept of magnetic field lines in current-carrying loops
  • Learn about the superposition principle in magnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Students of electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of magnetic fields in closed loops of wire.

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Homework Statement



I basically have a closed loop of wire with a current flowing through it clockwise. I need to determine the magnetic field in the center, along the z-axis.

Homework Equations



Ampere's Law and Biot-Savart Law

The Attempt at a Solution



Using Biot-Savart Law I actually pretty easily calculated the field and it was correct. (sorry for not typing out formulas but the math symbols seem to be giving me trouble and I don't think I need to).

But if I use Ampere's law, then as soon as I place an amperean loop in the middle of the wire the I enclosed is 0, leading me to believe there should be no magnetic field within the wire. How am I using Ampere's law wrong?
 
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What direction is the magnetic field going at the center of the wire-loop?
And just because there's no current enclosed doesn't mean there's no magnetic field... just no net field along (and in the direction of) the amperian loop.
 

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