Determining the force on a loop cause by an infinite line

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the force on a triangular loop of current due to an infinitely long line of current. The line of current is oriented along the positive z-axis, while the triangular loop is defined by points A(0,2,2), B(0,6,2), and C(0,6,6). The discussion centers around applying Ampere's Law and the force on conductors formula.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Ampere's Law and the determination of the magnetic field direction. Questions arise regarding the correct application of the right-hand rule and the integration process for calculating forces on different segments of the loop.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, seeking clarification on the direction of the magnetic field and the integration steps required to solve for the forces on the loop segments. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between variables along the integration path.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of specification for the current in the triangular loop, which is later clarified by one participant. The discussion includes uncertainties about the integration limits and the relationship between variables during the integration process.

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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Welcome to PF!
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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