Current in a wire and compass needle

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the magnitude of the current in a vertical wire based on the deflection of a compass needle positioned nearby. The compass initially points 19.1 degrees east of north outdoors but shifts to 55.7 degrees east of north when placed 9.80 cm from the wire. The Earth's magnetic field strength is given as 4.80×10^-5 T. Participants suggest using the Biot-Savart law and recommend creating a vector diagram to visualize the magnetic fields and angles involved. The focus is on correctly incorporating the angles into the calculations to determine the current.
choco_moo
Messages
26
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A compass needle points 19.1 degrees E of N outdoors. However, when it is placed 9.80 cm to the east of a vertical wire inside a building, it points 55.7 degrees E of N. What is the magnitude of the current in the wire? The Earth's field there is 4.80×10-5 T and is horizontal.

Homework Equations


B = uI/(2*pi*r)

The Attempt at a Solution


Can someone point me in the right direction for this problem because I have no idea how to start. I'm pretty sure I have to use the Biot-Savart law, but I just don't know how to incorporate the angles given into the equation.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try drawing a vector diagram of known fields (be sure to account for both the wire and the Earth in your diagram with correct angles in between).
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top