Determining the force on a loop cause by an infinite line

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the force on a triangular loop due to an infinite line of current. The magnetic field generated by the line current is determined using Ampere's Law, leading to the expression for the magnetic field vector. There is confusion regarding the direction of the magnetic field and the application of the right-hand rule, which indicates that the field is directed in the negative x-direction. The participant successfully computes forces for segments AB and BC but struggles with the final integral involving the relationship between y and z along path CA. Clarifications are provided regarding the integration limits and the values of the currents involved.
mobay
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Homework Statement


An infinitely long line of current $I_1=6[A]$ is following along the positive z-axis in the direction of +$\hat{a_z}$. Another current is following a triangular loop counter clockwise from the points A(0,2,2), B(0,6,2) and C(0,6,6).

Homework Equations


To start I applied Ampere's Law since an amperian path could be applied to current $I_1$ which results in
$$\vec{H}=\frac{I_1}{2\pi\rho} \hat{a_{\phi}}$$

Applying the force on two conductors formula $$F=\int{I_2 \vec{dl_2}} \times{\vec{B_1}}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


Where I am stuck is at segment AB, I have determined that the following for this segment $$dl=dy\,\hat{a_y}$$

The problem that I am having is determining the direction of the magnetic field vector, is it it directed in the positive $ \hat{a_z} $ because of how the problem is described or is it another direction all together? The teacher provided a solution but did not outline why they did certain steps.
 
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mobay said:
The problem that I am having is determining the direction of the magnetic field vector, is it it directed in the positive ##\hat{a_z} ## because of how the problem is described or is it another direction all together?
You know ##\vec{H}=\frac{I_1}{2\pi\rho} \hat{a_{\phi}}##. Thus, ##\hat{a_{\phi}}## gives you the direction.

Are you familiar with the magnetic field pattern of a long straight current? (Right hand rule)
 
TSny said:
Welcome to PF!

You know ##\vec{H}=\frac{I_1}{2\pi\rho} \hat{a_{\phi}}##. Thus, ##\hat{a_{\phi}}## gives you the direction.

Are you familiar with the magnetic field pattern of a long straight current? (Right hand rule)

Do you mean that since the current is moving in the positive \hat{a_x} that I apply the right hand rule? If so then the result is that the force is directed in the negative \hat{a_x} direction. Therefore, \vec{B}=\frac{-{\mu}_0\,I_1}{2\pi\,y} \hat{a_x}

At this point I integrate the and solve for segments AB and BC which results in $$\vec{F_{1,AB}}= 6{\mu}_0\,ln(3) \,\hat{a_z}$$ $$\vec{F_{1,BC}}= -4\mu \,\hat{a_y}$$

Up to this point I understand and did correctly according to the given solution, however, the final integral confounds me...After the cross product is applied and simplified my result is this $$6{\mu}_0[\int\frac{-dz}{y}\,\hat{a_y} + \int\frac{dy}{y}\,\hat{a_z} ]$$

I believe the second integration should result in 6{\mu}_0\,ln(1/3)\,\hat{a_z} but I don't know about the about the first integral since there is the is "y" term in the denominator. Do I make that y=6 because that is where the integration started at or y=2?
 
mobay said:
Do you mean that since the current is moving in the positive \hat{a_x} that I apply the right hand rule? If so then the result is that the force is directed in the negative \hat{a_x} direction.
Typo? The current is in the direction of \hat{a_z}. The field is in the negative x direction.

Therefore, \vec{B}=\frac{-{\mu}_0\,I_1}{2\pi\,y} \hat{a_x}
OK

At this point I integrate the and solve for segments AB and BC which results in $$\vec{F_{1,AB}}= 6{\mu}_0\,ln(3) \,\hat{a_z}$$ $$\vec{F_{1,BC}}= -4\mu \,\hat{a_y}$$
I can't check the above, since ##I_2## was not specified.

Up to this point I understand and did correctly according to the given solution, however, the final integral confounds me...After the cross product is applied and simplified my result is this $$6{\mu}_0[\int\frac{-dz}{y}\,\hat{a_y} + \int\frac{dy}{y}\,\hat{a_z} ]$$

I believe the second integration should result in 6{\mu}_0\,ln(1/3)\,\hat{a_z} but I don't know about the about the first integral since there is the is "y" term in the denominator. Do I make that y=6 because that is where the integration started at or y=2?
For the first integral you'll need to relate ##y## and ##z## along the path CA.
 
TSny said:
Typo? The current is in the direction of \hat{a_z}. The field is in the negative x direction.OKI can't check the above, since ##I_2## was not specified.For the first integral you'll need to relate ##y## and ##z## along the path CA.
Ok I will see what I can do, sorry I forgot but I_2 = 2 [A] and I_1=6\pi [A]. I am still trying to get a handle on latex
 
mobay said:
I_2 = 2 [A] and I_1=6\pi [A].
OK. Your results so far look good.
 
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