Calculating the work done moving a charge in a magnetic field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work done in moving a charge in a magnetic field created by two parallel wires carrying a current of 1 Amp each, spaced 4 meters apart. The magnetic field at point D, located 1 meter from wire A, is calculated to be 6.6 x 10^-8 T, while at point C, 2 meters from wire A, it is 2 x 10^-7 T. The challenge arises in determining the work required to move a charge of +1 x 10^-6 C from point C to point D, particularly due to the absence of a specified velocity for the charge, which is essential for calculating the work using the formula W = qvB.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and forces, specifically Biot-Savart Law.
  • Familiarity with the equations for magnetic field strength (B = µ0I / 2πr).
  • Knowledge of work-energy principles in electromagnetism (W = qEd).
  • Basic concepts of electric charge and current (Coulombs and Amperes).
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Biot-Savart Law for calculating magnetic fields from current-carrying wires.
  • Study the relationship between electric fields and magnetic fields in motion (Lorentz Force Law).
  • Learn about the concept of electromagnetic work and how to calculate it without velocity.
  • Explore the implications of moving charges in magnetic fields and their effects on energy transfer.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone involved in solving problems related to magnetic fields and electric charges.

Okarin
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Homework Statement



There are two infinitely long wires A and B, each carries a current of 1 Amp in the same direction. The two wires are 4m apart.
a) Calculate the magnetic field created by the currents in the two wires at points C and D. Point D is 1m away from wire A and point C is 2m away from A.

b) Calculate the work required to move a point charge of +1x10-6 C from point C to point D along the shortest path.

Homework Equations



B = µ0I / 2πr
F = qvB
W = qEd
E = F/q

The Attempt at a Solution



I was able to work out part a) no problem and found the magnetic field at point D is 6.6*10^-8 T and at point C its 2*10^-7 T. My problem is wit part b) :/ How do I find the work done moving a charge from one magnetic field to another? I played around with the formulas a bit and got W = qvBd, but my problem is what do I use for B? Would I be correct in saying that B is the sum of the two magnetic fields? I'm also not given a value for the velocity v so am I going about this the wrong way?
 
Last edited:
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B wouldn't be the sum of the two fields. Think about this problem from the perspective of the charge.
 
I checked over my figures again and found that there is no magnetic field at point C. The charge is moving 1m towards wire A, from C to D so I know what the magnetic field is. But no matter how many times I go through it I just can't find a value for the work done without a value for the velocity :/
 

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