Can the Magnetic Field Be Determined Using Biot-Savart Law Superposition?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the magnetic field along the z-axis using the Biot-Savart Law for a conductor loop consisting of an infinitely long wire carrying a constant current I. It is established that the total magnetic field can be calculated by summing the contributions from different segments of the wire, specifically segments 1, 2, and 3. The analysis confirms that segments 1 and 2 produce identical magnetic fields at a point on the z-axis, while a complete circular loop generates a magnetic field directed solely along the z-axis due to radial symmetry, whereas a semicircle contributes to both the z- and y-directions due to cancellation of x-axis components.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Biot-Savart Law
  • Knowledge of magnetic field direction using the right-hand rule
  • Familiarity with vector summation of magnetic fields
  • Concept of radial symmetry in magnetic fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the Biot-Savart Law in different geometries
  • Learn about the magnetic field of a circular loop of wire
  • Explore the effects of current direction on magnetic field orientation
  • Investigate the superposition principle in electromagnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone preparing for exams related to electromagnetism and magnetic field calculations.

LeoJakob
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For the following conductor loop, determine the magnetic field along the ##z##-axis, which passes through the center of the conductor loop and is perpendicular to it.
The conductor loop consists of an infinitely long wire through which a constant current ##I## runs.
Is it possible to determine the magnetic fields in the different sections ## \vec B_i## with ## i \in \{ 1,2,3 \}## and then calculate the total field by ## \vec B= \sum \limits_{i=1}^3 \vec B_i##?

superposition.jpg
 
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Yes.
Is this homework ?

LeoJakob said:
... determine the magnetic field along the z-axis, ...
At all points on the z-axis, or at the origin in the direction of the z-axis ?

Segments 1 and 3 are in line with the z-axis. Apply the right-hand rule.
What direction will the field from segments 1 and 3 be on the z-axis ?

What is the field on the central axis of a circle ?
What is the field on the central axis of a semicircle ?
 
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Thank you ! :)

It is an exercise to solve for the upcoming exams:

-segment 1 and 2 produce the same magnetic field at a point on the z axis
- a whole circle on the central x-axis would create a magnetic field that points only in the z-direction because of the radial symmetry
- a semicircle
on the central x-axis would create a magnetic field that points only in the z- and y-direction because the contributions on the x-axis cancel out
 

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